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 Pala rulers is known to have founded the Vikramshila Vihara?
[A] Gopala
[B] Devpala
[C] Dharampala
[D] Mahendrapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharampala]
Notes:
Dharamapala, the second ruler of Pala dynasty was a pious Buddhist King and is best known for establishing the Vikramshila University.
Dharampala had also built a Vihara at Somapuri, another at Paharpur and yet another Vihara at Odantapuri. The five places viz. Nalanda, Vikramshila, Somapuri, Paharpur and Odantapuri are called Five Mahaviharas. Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the Vikramshila University in 1200 AD. Somapura Mahavihara is now located in Bangladesh. It is one of the best known Mahaviharas of Buddhism in Indian subcontinent and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. The Excavated Buddhist Site, Lalitgiri , which was notified as Centrally Protected in the year 1937, is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Lalitgiri is situated in Cuttack district of Odisha which is at a distance of around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The Buddhist relics found during excavation was notified as centrally protected in the year 1937.
13. The ancient places of Badami, Dwarasamudra and Warangal are related to which of the following dynasties?
[A] Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[B] Cholas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[C] Pallavas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kaktiyas]
Notes:
Badami belonged to Chalukyas, Dwarasamudra belonged to Hoyasala and Warangal was ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty rulers.
14. Which among the following was the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age?
[A] Wheat
[B] Barley
[C] Maize
[D] Rice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barley]
Notes:
The the most important grain grown in the Vedic Age was Barley.
15. Which of the following two towns of Indus valley Civilization were located on the bank of Ghagghar River?
[A] Harappa & Rojari
[B] Harappa & Mohen jo Dero
[C] Kalibanga and Banwali
[D] Rangpur and Surkotda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kalibanga and Banwali]
Notes:
The correct answer is “Kalibangan and Banwali.” Both towns are part of the Indus Valley Civilization and are situated near the Ghagghar River, which is believed to be the modern-day Sarasvati River. Kalibangan is known for its unique plowed fields and evidence of early agricultural practices, while Banwali features a well-planned layout and advanced drainage systems. The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 2500 BCE, is noted for its urban planning and sophisticated architecture.
16. Who was the first to propose that all objects in the physical universe can be reduced to a finite number of atoms?
[A] Maharishi Kapil
[B] Maharishi Kanaad
[C] Maharishi Vyas
[D] Maharishi Patanjali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharishi Kanaad]
Notes:
Maharishi Kanaad was the first to postulate that everything in the physical universe could be reduced to a finite number of atoms. He was an ancient Indian philosopher who founded the Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy that also postulated the concept of an atom.
17. Which among the following correctly described the plot of the Indian Play Mudra Rakshasha?
[A] Conflicts between Demons (Rakshasha) and Gods (Deva)
[B] Romantic Love story of a demon and a princess
[C] Story of a young Arya Man and a Court Dancer
[D] Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Intrigues at the time of accession of Chandragupta Maurya]
Notes:
The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit-language play by Vishakhadatta that narrates the ascent of the king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India.
18. Who among the following ruler of Utpal dynasty founded a new city Avantipur?
[A] Lalitaditya Muktapida
[B] Sangam Raj
[C] Avantivarman
[D] Durlabahaka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Avantivarman]
Notes:
The ruler of Utpal dynasty, Avantivarman ruled Kashmir during 855 AD to 883 AD. He founded a new city Avantipur (Bantipur) and built a town Suryapura. His court was adorned by two famous poets, Ratnakar and Anandavardhana.
19. In context of Chola administration what did “Kurram” denote?
[A] Mandalam
[B] District
[C] Mandap
[D] Group of villages
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Group of villages]
Notes:
Kurram (a group of villages) was the lowest unit of Chola administration.
20. Which Satvahana ruler adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana?
[A] Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni
[B] Vashishtiputra Pulumayi
[C] Simuka
[D] Yajnasri Satkarni
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Sri Satkarni adopted the title Tri-samudra-toya-pita-vahana which meant ‘the ruler whose subjects drank the water of the three seas of the east,west and south’. The Bay of Bengal,The Arabian Sea and The Indian Ocean.
