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. King Prasenjita was a contemporary and friend of Lord Buddha. He was a king of ________?
[A] Kasi
[B] Kosal
[C] Anga
[D] Magdha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kosal]
Notes:
King Prasenjita was an Aikṣvāka dynasty ruler of Kosala. Sāvatthī was his capital. He was a prominent Upāsaka of Gautama Buddha, who built many Buddhist temples. He was friend of Lord Buddha.
12. Which among the following is the most important work of Tamil Literature of Sangam Period (sometimes also referred as Bible of the Tamil land)?
[A] Thirukkural
[B] Purananuru
[C] Malaipatukatam
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Thirukkural]
Notes:
Thiruvalluvar was the author of the book ‘Tirukkural (also known as the Kural). It is a classic Tamil sangam literature consisting of 1330 couplets or Kurals. The book is also called as the fifth Veda or ‘Bible of the Tamil Land’.
13. During the reign of Guptas in North India , who were their contemporaries in South India ?
[A] Cholas
[B] Rasthrakutas
[C] Satvahanas
[D] Kakatiyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rasthrakutas]
Notes:
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire existing from the mid-to-late 3rd century CE to 543 CE. Rashtrakutas was a royal dynasty ruling large parts of the Indian subcontinent . They are the contemporaries.
14. Who is known as greatest law giver of ancient India?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Kautilya
[C] Manu
[D] Chanukya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manu]
Notes:
Manusmriti, a book on Indian law is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu. Manu-smriti, traditionally the most authoritative of the books of the Hindu code (Dharmashastra) in India.
15. 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.
16. Who among the following was not among the 9 gems (Navratna) of the Vikramaditya’s court?
[A] Vetalbhatt
[B] Amar Simha
[C] Kaalidasa
[D] Aryabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
Nine gems of Vikramaditya are Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shankhu, Khatakarpara, Kalidasa, Vetal Bhatt, Vararuchi, and Varahamihira.
17. Where is the first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization located in ancient Indian sites?
[A] Chanhudaro
[B] Ropar
[C] Daimabad
[D] Dholavira
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dholavira]
Notes:
The first astronomical observatory of the Harappan Civilization has been found at Dholavira. Dholavira, located in Gujarat, is one of the five largest Harappan sites and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The astronomical significance of Dholavira was highlighted by the discovery of an ancient “apparent geodesic quadrant”, which is considered the first such find in the Indus Valley.
18. What is the vedic name of river Satluj?
[A] Satudri
[B] Askini
[C] Arjikya
[D] Vipasha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Satudri ]
Notes:
River Satluj was called as ‘Satudri’ in Vedic period. Its sanskrit name is ‘Shatadru’
19. Which of the following ancient ruler is credited with shifting the capital from Rajgir to Pataliputra?
[A] Dhana Nanda
[B] Ajatashatru
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Kakavarin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Kakavarin ]
Notes:
Kakavarin of Sisunaga dynasty moved the capital from Rajgir (Girivraja) to Pataliputra.
20. In which among the following Mahajanapada, Lord Buddha attained parinirvana?
[A] Anga
[B] Magadha
[C] Malla
[D] Vatsa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Malla]
Notes:
Buddha attained Niravana at Kushinagara, a village some 180 Kilometers from Varanasi and it was in the state of Mallas.
