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 among the following Buddhist work is written in Sanskrit?
[A] Mahavamsha
[B] Deepavamsha
[C] Divyavadana
[D] Milinda Panho
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Divyavadana]
Notes:
Buddhist work that is written in Sanskrit is the “Divyavadana” (Option C). The “Divyavadana” is a collection of Buddhist stories and legends written in Sanskrit. It contains narratives of the lives and teachings of the Buddha, as well as stories about various Buddhist monks and nuns. Sanskrit was one of the classical languages used for Buddhist scriptures and texts, alongside Pali and other languages, depending on the Buddhist tradition and region.
12. In which of the following Buddhist councils, the Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas?
[A] First Budhdist Council
[B] Second Budhdist Council
[C] Third Budhdist Council
[D] Fouth Budhdist Council
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Second Budhdist Council]
Notes:
The Second Buddhist Council was held at Vaisali (or Vaishali), an ancient city in what is now the state of Bihar under the patronage of King Kalasoka while it was presided by Sabakami. Buddhism was divided into Sthaviravada and second Mahasamghikas.
13. In Greek texts, who among the following has been mentioned as Amitrochates?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Bindusara
[C] Kautilya
[D] Asoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bindusara]
Notes:
The correct answer is Bindusara. In Greek texts, particularly those by historians like Megasthenes, Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor and son of Chandragupta Maurya, is referred to as Amitrochates. This name is believed to mean “the one who has no enemies.” Bindusara ruled from approximately 297 to 273 BCE and is known for expanding the Mauryan Empire and maintaining diplomatic relations with Hellenistic states.
14. In stone age, the composite tools started appearing in which of the following ages?
[A] Paleolithic
[B] Mesolithic
[C] Neolithic
[D] Chalcolithic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Mesolithic ]
Notes:
One of the key aspects of the Mesolithic Age was the reduction in size of well-established tool types. The characteristic tools of this age were microliths (miniature stone tools usually made of crypto-crystalline silica, chalcedony, or chert, both of geometrical and non-geometrical shapes). They were not only used as tools in themselves but also to make composite tools, spearheads, arrowheads, and sickles after hafting them on wooden or bone handles.
15. Which famous philosopher was also the tutor of Alexander the Great?
[A] Alfred Shred
[B] Aristotle
[C] Socrates
[D] Rousseau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aristotle]
Notes:
Aristotle, Greek Aristoteles was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, one of the greatest intellectual figures of Western history. He was the the tutor of Alexander the Great.
16. Which of the following remains of the Gupta empire is the western Indian city of Ajanta most notable for?
[A] Stone Carvings
[B] Buddhist Monastery
[C] Large Temple
[D] Cave Painting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cave Painting]
Notes:
In the caverns of Ajanta, India, one can see the many cave paintings that were left on the walls of cave temples. The Buddhists who had their temples their painting mural of Buddhist stories and legends and also of scenes of Gupta India.
17. Who was the first royal convert to Buddhism?
[A] Chandragupta Maurya
[B] Asoka
[C] Ajatashatru
[D] Bimbisara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajatashatru]
Notes:
Ajatashatru was the first royal convert to Buddhism. Ajatashatru was a king of the Haryanka dynasty of Magadha in East India. He was the son of King Bimbisara and was a contemporary of both Mahavira and Gautama Buddha.
18. Who is the founder of Advaita philosophy?
[A] Adi Shankaracharya
[B] Swami Vivekananda
[C] Basaveshwara
[D] Sri Ramanujacharya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Adi Shankaracharya]
Notes:
Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago.
19. Chanakya, was also known by which of the following names? (UPSC Prelims 1993)
[A] Bhattasvamin
[B] Rajasekhara
[C] Vishnugupta
[D] Visakhadatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vishnugupta]
Notes:
Chanakya was also known as Kautilya or Vishnu Gupta. He was an Indian teacher, philosopher, and royal adviser. He was initially a professor of economics and political science at the ancient Takshashila University in Takshashila.
20. Navdatoli in Western Madhya Pradesh is an important site of:
[A] Banas culture
[B] Kayatha culture
[C] Malwa Culture
[D] Jorwe culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Malwa Culture ]
Notes: The important non-Harappan chalcolithic cultures are
- Banas culture (2600BC–1900 BC) in south-east Rajasthan, with Ahar near Udaipur and Gilund as its key-sites
- Kayatha culture (2100BC–2000 BC) with Kayatha in Chambal as its chief site in Madhya Pradesh;
- Malwa Culture (1700BC–1400BC) with Navdatoli in Western Madhya Pradesh as an important site
- Jorwe culture (1400BC– 700BC) with Inamgaon and Chandoli near Pune in Maharashtra as its chief centres