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 of the below-mentioned ancient Indian jurists established a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters after the sons?
[A] Brihaspati
[B] Yajnavalkya
[C] Narada
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Yajnavalkya]
Notes:
Yajnavalkya laid down doctrines that included a priority of inheritance where the wife is followed by daughters immediately after the sons. His works promoted justice and fairness in family matters, creating a direct impact on the stability of society. Yajnavalkya is known for his teachings on the concepts of Dharma and Moksha.
12. Who erected the Garuda pillar inscription of Besnagar in modern Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Heliodorus
[B] Vijayamitra
[C] Kanishka
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Heliodorus]
Notes:
The Bhagavata cult is also known as Heliodorus pillar. It is a stone column that was erected around 113 BCE in central India in Besnagar (near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh). The temple and the inscriptions are among the earliest known evidence of these pillar capitals, found near the Heliodorus pillar, suggests the Bhagavata cult.
13. Which of the following state is the home to Bharat Dynasty?
[A] Punjab
[B] Haryana
[C] Gujarath
[D] Uttar Pradesh
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Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana has history which dates back to the Vedic Age. The State was the home of the legendary Bharata dynasty, which has given the name Bharat to India.
14. Which among the following is also called encyclopedia of Buddhism?
[A] Buddhacharita
[B] Mahavibhasa
[C] Milinda Panho
[D] Vinayapitaka
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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.
15. “Niska ” was used as a medium of exchange, in which of the following periods?
[A] Vedic period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Gupta Period
[D] Sangam Period
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Correct Answer: A [Vedic period]
Notes:
During the Vedic age, 2 types of medium of exchange are Niska and hiranyapinda. Rigvedic niskas and hiranyapindas, in this period, stood as a link between the money and currency stages of the development of the economy.
16. Which of the following Chinese pilgrim gives account of the First Gupta Ruler?
[A] Fa Hien
[B] Huen Tsang
[C] Itsing
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: C [Itsing]
Notes:
Yijing or I-tsing, was a Tang-era Chinese Buddhist monk famed as a traveler and translator. His account of his travels is an important source for the history of the medieval kingdoms along the sea route between China and India. He gave account of the first gupta ruler Srigupta.
17. Who is the author of the ancient Sanskrit text Kavirahasya?
[A] Halayudha
[B] Trivikrama
[C] Mufija
[D] Nalachampu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Halayudha]
Notes:
Halayudha is known to compose the Sanskrit text ‘Kavirahasya’ during the reign of Emperor Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. This valuable work provides an exhaustive list of Sanskrit verbs and their meanings, thus making significant contributions to the field of Sanskrit grammar. Halayudha’s efforts remain recognized for their complicacy and accuracy in understanding the life and language of ancient India.
18. Who among the following rulers of Karkota dynasty built the Martand Surya temple?
[A] Lalitaditya Muktapida
[B] Durlabh Vardhan
[C] Durlabahaka
[D] Avanativarmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lalitaditya Muktapida]
Notes:
The Martand Sun Temple was built by an emperor of the Kashmiri Karkoṭa dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida in the 8th century. The temple was destroyed by Islamic ruler Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century.
19. What was the reign period of Rajaraja Chola I?
[A] 1014-1044 AD
[B] 985-1014 AD
[C] 1044-1054 AD
[D] 973-985 AD
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Correct Answer: A [1014-1044 AD]
Notes:
The reign period of Rajaraja Chola I was 1014-1044 AD.
20. Who founded the Mauryan Empire in India?
[A] Chandragupta
[B] Kanishka
[C] Ashoka
[D] Chanakya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chandragupta]
Notes:
By the end of the third century BC, most of North India was knit together in the first great Indian empire by Chandragupta Maurya. His son Bindusara extended the Mauryan empire over virtually the entire subcontinent, giving rise to an imperial vision that was to dominate successive centuries of political aspirations. The greatest Mauryan emperor was Ashoka (286-231 BC) whose successful campaigns culminated in the annexation of Kalinga.