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 among the following foreign traveller came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
[A] Hiuen-Tsang
[B] Fa Hein
[C] Megasthenes
[D] Ibn Batuta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Fa Hein ]
Notes:
Fa-hein, the first Chinese Buddhist traveller and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). And wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki” that gives the detail account of the political and social condition of that time.
12. Who granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastic at Bodh Gaya?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Kumargupta
[C] Skandgupta
[D] Chandragupta II
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Samudragupta ]
Notes:
The Gupta emperor, Samudragupta granted permission to Buddhist king of Ceylon Meghavarman to build a monastry at Bodh Gaya. Hence, he was also known as Anukampavan (full of compassion).
13. Who was the elder brother and rightful heir to the throne prior to Ashoka?
[A] Kunala
[B] Susima
[C] tivara
[D] Odruka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Susima]
Notes:
Susima was the eldest son of Bindusara, making him the rightful heir to the throne. However, after a potential power struggle, Ashoka secured the throne. There are claims in Buddhist texts that Ashoka had 100 brothers, an assertion likely exaggerated as the term “brothers” could include half-brothers and cousins.
14. During the period of Harshavardhana the fields were watered by the pots which were called Ghati yantra. The writing of which among the following authors records this?
[A] Hiuen-tsang
[B] Subhandhu
[C] Dandin
[D] Banabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hiuen-tsang]
Notes:
Hiuen-tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who traveled to India in the seventh century and described the interaction between Chinese Buddhism and Indian Buddhism during the early Tang dynasty. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India during the period of emperor Harsha. Ghati Yantras was recorded by him.
15. Fa-Hien who came to visit India during Gupta Period had the main motive of ___________?
[A] Establish trade relations between India and China
[B] Write a book on the life of Indian People
[C] Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha
[D] To spread Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Study the teachings of Gautam Buddha]
Notes:
Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist, was one of the pilgrims who visited India during the reign of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. His main motive is to study the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
16. Krishna I , who was a king of Rashtrakuta dynasty is related to which of the following ?
[A] Shiva Temples of Ellora
[B] Ajanata Caves
[C] Khajuraho Temples
[D] Ellora caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Shiva Temples of Ellora]
Notes:
Krishna I is known for completing the establishment of Rastrakuta supremacy over the dominions of Chalukyas. Last Badami Chalukya Kirtivarman II though defeated by Dantidurga, but remained in power till 757 AD when he was destroyed by Krishna I. This is mentioned in the copper plate grant of Govinda III. Krishna I is best known for execution of the most marvelous architectural work in India i.e. Kailas Temple at Ellora. Kailas Temple is the most extensive and most opulent example of rock cut architecture in India.
17. Who among the following king is related to Repair of Sudarsana Lake?
[A] Rudradaman
[B] Gautmi Putra Satkarni
[C] Kharavela
[D] Ashoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rudradaman]
Notes:
The Junagarh Rock Inscription mentions that the Saka ruler Rudradaman (150-151 BC) had taken up the task of restoration of lake Sudarsana.
18. Which was the second capital of Kanishka?
[A] Mathura
[B] Sanchi
[C] Banaras
[D] Pataliputra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mathura]
Notes:
Kanishka’s main capital was at Peshawar (Purushpura) and regional capitals is at Taxila in Pakistan, Begram in Afghanistan and Mathura in India. Mathura had a status of almost a second capital.
19. Who among the following was the most important divinity during the early Vedic era?
[A] Agni
[B] Indra
[C] Vayu
[D] Varuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indra]
Notes:
Some major deities of the Vedic tradition include Indra, Surya, Agni, Ushas, Vayu, Varuna, Vishnu, Mitra, Aditi, Yama, Soma, Sarasvati, Prithvi, and Rudra. Among all Indra is the most important god.
20. The word coromandal cost has been derived from the kingdom of which of the following?
[A] Cheras
[B] Cholas
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cholas]
Notes:
The name coromandal occurs in the forms Cholamandalam or Solamandalam on the great temple inscription of Tanjore. So Coromandel takes its name from the ancient dynasty of Tamil rulers known as the Cholas.
