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. Savatthi was capital of which among the 16 Mahajanpadas?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosala
[C] Matsya
[D] Anga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosala]
Notes:
Sravasti was the capital of Kosala . There are 16 Mahajanapadas. The Mahajanapadas represent the state system of 600BC. The processes of emergence of Mahajanpadas were initiated by certain important economic changes.
12. Which of the following era / communities represent Jorwe culture?
[A] Vedic Era
[B] Chalcolithic Era
[C] Palaeolithic Era
[D] Later vedic Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chalcolithic Era]
Notes:
Jorwe culture was a Chalcolithic archaeological culture mostly spread in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
13. Which among the following Buddhist work is written in Sanskrit?
[A] Mahavamsha
[B] Deepavamsha
[C] Divyavadana
[D] Milinda Panho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Divyavadana]
Notes:
Buddhist work that is written in Sanskrit is the “Divyavadana” (Option C). The “Divyavadana” is a collection of Buddhist stories and legends written in Sanskrit. It contains narratives of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, as well as stories about various Buddhist monks and nuns. Sanskrit was one of the classical languages used for Buddhist scriptures and texts, alongside Pali and other languages, depending on the Buddhist tradition and region.
14. As per the ancient Indian Texts, the land between which among the following two rivers has been called “Brahamavarta”?
[A] Saraswati river and Drsadvati River
[B] Saraswati river and Saryu River
[C] Sutudri (Satluj) River and Vipas (Beas) River
[D] Ganga River and Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saraswati river and Drsadvati River]
Notes:
The Hindu religious text Manusmriti describes Brahmavarta as the region between the rivers Saraswati and Drishadwati in India.
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 Rashtrakutas Dynasty ?
[A] Khottiga
[B] Govinda IV
[C] Krishna III
[D] Karka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karka]
Notes:
In 973 AD, the Rashtrakuta dynasty came to an end as the last ruler Kakka II ( or Karka) was killed by Tailpa II ( the descendant of old Chalukya empire) and founded the dynasty of Chalukyas of Kalyani (also known as Later or Western Chalukyas).
17. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire in the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Cave Painting
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Stone Carvings
[D] Large Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
18. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli was built during the ruling period of which dynasty?
[A] Kushan Dynasty
[B] Maurya Dynasty
[C] Satvahanas Dynasty
[D] Gupta Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gupta Dynasty]
Notes:
This Iron pillar at Mehrauli was an evidence of developed knowledge of the people in the field of Chemistry, especially metallurgy.It did not rust even after fifteen centuries. It was built during the ruling period of Gupta Dynasty.
19. Gupta architecture is represented by many brick temples and the temple of Bhitargaon is most notable for its well preserved and moulded bricks of excellent design, this temple has?
[A] A tall Gopuram
[B] A Pyramidal roof
[C] An Apsidal plan
[D] Double basement
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A Pyramidal roof]
Notes:
The Bhitargaon Temple is a terraced brick building fronted with a terracotta panel. Built in the 5th century during the Gupta period, it is the oldest remaining brick/terracotta Hindu shrine with a pyramidal roof and a high shikhara, though its upper chamber did sustain some damage in the 18th century.
20. The Buddhist sect Mahayana formally came into existence during the reign of which of the following emperors?
[A] Ajatashatru
[B] Ashoka
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Kanishka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kanishka]
Notes:
Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of Mahayan sect of Buddhism.
