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. Agnimitra, who is the hero of Kalidasa’s ‘Malvikagnimitram’ was a king of which of the following dynasties?
[A] Sunga
[B] Kanva
[C] Satavahana
[D] Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sunga]
Notes:
Malavikagnimitram is the Sanskrit play, which depicts Agnimitra as its hero. Malvika is a maid servant whom Agnimitra falls in love. This was known to his chief queen, who imprisions her. Later it was known that Malvika was of a royal birth and she was accepted as queen of Agnimitra. Malavikagnimitram gives account of Rajsuya Yajna of Pushyamitra Shunga, father of Agnimitra.
12. 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.
13. Which among the following Chera King is famous for the legends surrounding Kannagi (he built a temple dedicated to Kannagi) and is also known as “Red Cherra”?
[A] Karikala
[B] Senguttuvan
[C] Nedum Cheralathan
[D] Elkara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Senguttuvan]
Notes:
Senguttuvan, the king of ancient Tamilakam, had erected the temple for Kannagi around 2000 years back at Vannathiparai and called it ‘Kannagi Kottam’. He is known as Red Cherra.
14. Who among the following erected Gangaikonda Cholapuram ?
[A] Rajraja Chola
[B] Rajendra Chola I
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Gonka I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajendra Chola I]
Notes:
Gangaikonda Cholapuram became the capital of the Chola dynasty in c. 1025 during the reign of Rajendra Chola I, and served as the Chola capital for around 250 years. It is a Village located near to Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu.
15. What was the name of the silver coins issued by Guptas?
[A] Karshapana
[B] Rupaka
[C] Dinara
[D] Pana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rupaka]
Notes:
The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called Rupaka. The silver coin was called Rupaka based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32-36 grains. The Gupta gold coins are known as Dinars.
16. Which among the following is correct about Bhaddasala?
[A] He was a poet in the court of Chandragupta Maurya
[B] He was the general of the Nanda Army
[C] He was an ambassador of Ceylon King sent to Asoka’s court
[D] He was a playwright in the Gupta Era
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [He was the general of the Nanda Army]
Notes:
Bhaddasala was a general of the Nanda Army. The Nanda dynasty, preceding the Maurya Empire, was known for its wealth and military strength. Chandragupta Maurya later overthrew the Nandas to establish the Maurya Empire, which became one of the largest empires in ancient India. The Nandas were important for their administrative innovations and for laying the groundwork for Mauryan rule.
17. The temple of Konark was built by Narasimha of the:
[A] Maratha Dynasty
[B] Chola Dynasty
[C] Ganga Dynasty
[D] Vijaynagar Empire
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Ganga Dynasty ]
Notes:
The Sun Temple at Konark, on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the outstanding examples of temple architecture. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. Narsimhadeva was a powerful monarch and warrior of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of medieval Odisha who reigned from 1238 to 1264.
18. According to Indian Mythology, which one was considered the oldest book on political science in India?
[A] Dandaniti
[B] Bahudantaka
[C] Barhaspatya Sastra
[D] Vaisalaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dandaniti]
Notes:
Dandaniti is traditionally considered the oldest book on political science in India. Even though no actual “Dandaniti” scripture survives today, several Indian scriptures like Mahabharata and Arthashastra have referred to it, signifying its existence and importance in ancient times. It is believed to focus primarily on the art of punishment for effective ruling, denoting a significant part of ancient Indian political philosophy.
19. Who was the prime minister of Nandas?
[A] Chanakya
[B] Nanda
[C] Raksas
[D] Asoka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Raksas]
Notes:
Raksas was the prime minister of the Nandas, whom Chandragupta defeated with the help of Chanakya. Chandragupta ruled from 322-298 BC. He was succeded by his son Bindusara.
20. At which of the following places Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon?
[A] Sarnath
[B] Lumbini
[C] Bodh Gaya
[D] Vaishali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarnath]
Notes:
The sermon, Buddha gave to the five monks, was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. It was given on the full-moon day of Asalha Puja. It was given at a place called Sarnath, near Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The real name of the place is Saranganath.
