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. Who was Queen Trishala?
[A] Mother of Mahavira
[B] Mother of Gautam Buddha
[C] Mother of Kanishka
[D] Mother of Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mother of Mahavira]
Notes:
Queen Trishala, also known as Trishala Devi, was the mother of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara in Jainism. As per Jain texts, Trishala carried Mahavira in her womb for over a year and had a number of auspicious dreams indicating the divine nature of the unborn child. Trishala’s husband was King Siddhartha of Kundalpur in the Kingdom of the Videhas.
12. Who was the last ruler of Chola dynasty?
[A] Adhirajendra
[B] Virarajendra
[C] Kulottunga II
[D] Parantaka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adhirajendra]
Notes:
Adhirajendra was the last ruler of Chola dynasty, who was killed in a public revolt.
13. In which one of the following inscriptions is Ashoka mentioned by name? (UPSC Prelims 1990)
[A] Major Rock edict at Girnar
[B] Minor Rock inscription at Maski
[C] Bairat inscription
[D] Lamghan inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Minor Rock inscription at Maski]
Notes:
The Maski inscriptions were found in Maski village in the Raichur district of Karnataka. These inscriptions are etched on a boulder and cave walls in Brahmi script. The significance of the Maski inscriptions is that they provided definitive evidence linking Ashoka to the title “Devanampriya” (Beloved of the Gods). The text includes the name “Devanampriya Ashoka”, clearly establishing the connection. Other inscriptions like the Gujarra Rock Edict from Madhya Pradesh do mention titles like “Devanampiya Piyadasi Asokaraja”.
14. Which of the following were used to decorate Harappan pottery?
[A] Human Figurines
[B] Figures of animals, birds, snakes and fish
[C] Geometrical patterns
[D] All the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All the above]
Notes:
A variety of motifs were employed to decorate Harappan pottery produced during the Mature Indus period 2600-1900 BCE. These include human and animal figures like bulls, elephants, birds, fish, geometric designs, and floral motifs. Specific techniques included painted decorations in black, red ochre colors over a white background slip, incising, perforated designs, and applying relief appliques. The presence of pottery wheels also enabled precision vessel shaping.
15. At which Harappan city terracotta toy vehicles, having spoked wheels has discovered?
[A] Dholavira
[B] Harappa
[C] Kalibangan
[D] Mohenjodaro
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dholavira]
Notes:
Terracotta toy vehicles having spoked wheels have been discovered at the Harappan site of Dholavira in Gujarat. Though most wheels used on actual transport carts were solid, these toys provide early evidence of spoked wheels in India. It also shows the flourishing craft traditions specializing in intricate artifacts besides utilitarian items.
16. Which of the following are the recensions (Shakhas) of the Sama Veda?
1. Kauthuma
2. Jaiminiya (Talavakara)
3. Ranayaniya
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Recensions or the Shakhas of the Sama Veda are called Kauthuma, Jaiminiya (Talavakara), and Ranayaniya. And the Upveda of the Sama Veda is the called Gandharva Veda.
17. At which age Mahavira renounced the world in search of truth?
[A] 25
[B] 30
[C] 32
[D] 35
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [30]
Notes:
Mahavira renounced the world at the age of 30 to become an ascetic and search for truth. He practiced severe penance and meditation for 12 years. At the age of 42, he attained spiritual knowledge.
Mahavira was born in 599 BC to a royal family in Kundalpur, India. He married a woman of the Kshatriya caste and had a daughter. He left his family and royal household to become a monk. He spent the next 12 and a half years in deep silence and meditation to conquer his desires, feelings, and attachments.
Mahavira achieved enlightenment on the night of Diwali. He preached for 30 years.
18. The first Jain council was held at which of the following places?
[A] Patliputra
[B] Vallabhi
[C] Ujjain
[D] Patliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Patliputra]
Notes:
The first Jain council was held in 310 BCE at Patliputra. The council resulted in the Compilation of 12 angas to replace Purvas (Rejection by Digambaras). Sthulabhadra was President of first council.
19. Lotus and Bull represents which of the following?
[A] Birth of Buddha
[B] Renunciation
[C] First Sermon
[D] Nirvana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Birth of Buddha]
Notes:
Buddha is usually represented in five forms which are as follows:
Lotus and Bull – Birth
Horse – Renunciation
Bodhi Tree – Mahabodhi
Dhammachakra Pravartana – First Sermon
Footprints – Nirvana
20. Which of the following has been a patron of Ajivika order?
[A] Prasenjit
[B] Chanakya
[C] Pushyamitra Shunga
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Prasenjit]
Notes:
Prasenjit the King of Kosala was a patron of Ajivika order. The Ajivikas were rigid fatalists and determinists They believed that the affairs of the entire universe were ordered by a cosmic force called niyati.
