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. Milinda-Panho is a pali text which record discussion between Milinda and Nagsena. Milinda was a ________?
[A] Satvahan King
[B] Shunga King
[C] Indo Greek Ruler
[D] Nanda king
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indo Greek Ruler]
Notes:
The Milinda Panho is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime between 100 BC and 200 CE. It records a dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nāgasena, and the Indo-Greek king Menander.
12. Vasucharita is a work of which of the following ?
[A] Ram raja
[B] Krishndev rai
[C] Vitthalantha
[D] Kalidasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ram raja]
Notes:
Ramraja or Ramarajabhushanudu who was a Telugu poet and a notable musician was one of the Astadiggajas (a collective title for Telugu poets in the court of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara Empire).
13. The following were the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas?
[A] Pandyas
[B] Kushans
[C] Nandas
[D] Sungas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sungas]
Notes:
The Shunga Empire was an ancient Indian dynasty from Magadha that controlled areas of the central and eastern Indian subcontinent from around 185 to 75 BCE. They are the immediate successors of imperial Mauryas.
14. Mehrgarh in the Indus valley civilization is known for which of the following?
[A] Red sandstone
[B] Terracotta Cart
[C] Copper Rhinoceros
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Terracotta Cart]
Notes:
Mehrgarh is an archaeological site located in the Kachi plain of Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 7000 BCE. The site is significant because it provides insight into the early history and development of the Indus Valley Civilization. Mehrgarh was a hub of trade and commerce, and it is believed to have been a major center of pottery production. The site was first excavated in the 1970s and continues to be studied by archaeologists today.
15. Which among the following is Not Correctly matched?
[A] Maurya Empire – Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Shunga Dynasty – Pushyamitra Shunga
[C] Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Satvahana Dynasty – Gautamiputra satkarni]
Notes:
The founder of Satvahana Dynasty was Simuk and not Gautamaiputra Satakarni
16. Which of the following religious text is written in the form of questions and answers?
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] Prakirnas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Abhidhamma Pitaka]
Notes:
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a detailed scholastic analysis and summary of the Buddha’s teachings in the Suttas. Everything written in this is in the form of question and answer.
17. What was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada?
[A] Mathura
[B] Bairath
[C] Kausambi
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kausambi]
Notes:
Kausambi was the capital of the ancient Vatsa Mahajanapada, an important political and cultural center during the sixth and fifth centuries BC. Vatsa or Vamsa was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (large states) situated in Northern Ancient India, which was recognized for its significant contributions to the development of Buddhism and Jainism. This region attracted scholars and spiritual practitioners from far and wide, contributing immensely to the rich cultural tapestry of ancient India.
18. During the early Vedic period, which of the following priests served as presiding priest during ritual sacrifices?
[A] Hotr
[B] adhvaryu
[C] Udgatr
[D] Brahmin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Hotr]
Notes:
hotr was the presiding priest, with perhaps only the adhvaryu as his assistant in the earliest time.
19. 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.
20. Which of the following events happened in AD Era?
[A] Coronation of Bidusara
[B] First Buddhist Council
[C] Beginning of Saka Era
[D] Second Buddhist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Beginning of Saka Era]
Notes:
The Saka Era was founded by Kanishka, the emperor of Kushana empire from the year 78 A.D. The Shaka era is a historical calendar era, corresponding to Julian year 78. It is commonly known in Indian languages as Shalivahana Śaka.
