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 is known as greatest law giver of ancient India?
[A] Banabhatta
[B] Kautilya
[C] Manu
[D] Chanukya
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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.
12. Who among the following historical figures assumed the titles of sakayavanpallavanidusana (destroyer of saka, yavana and pallavas) and Trisamudrapittoyvahana (one whose horses had drunk waters from 3 oceans)?
[A] Gautami Putra satkarni
[B] Simuka
[C] Rudra daman I
[D] Vijaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gautami Putra satkarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, the ruler of the Satavahana Empire in India, held these impressive titles. His reign marked an era of great imperial expansion, with his forces reaching three oceans and defeating several significant enemies. The titles he assumed symbolized his prowess and achievements. He systematically obliterated the Shakas, Yavanas, and Pallavas, symbolized by the title Sakayavanpallavanidusana. And Trisamudrapittoyvahana denoted the vast range of his conquests.
13. 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
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Correct Answer: D [Aryabhatta]
Notes:
Nine gems of Vikramaditya are Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasimha, Shankhu, Khatakarpara, Kalidasa, Vetal Bhatt, Vararuchi, and Varahamihira.
14. Who among the following built the Parthasarathy Temple ?
[A] Narasimhavarman I
[B] Mahendravarman II
[C] Mahendravarman I
[D] Simhavishnu
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Correct Answer: A [ Narasimhavarman I ]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman I Parthasarathy Temple was build by Pallava King Narasimhavarman I in 8th century. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
15. 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
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Correct Answer: D [ Kakavarin ]
Notes:
Kakavarin of Sisunaga dynasty moved the capital from Rajgir (Girivraja) to Pataliputra.
16. GI protected “Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture” was constructed under which of the following dynasties?
[A] Pallava dynasty
[B] Cheras dynasty
[C] Chalukya dynasty
[D] Rashtrakuta dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pallava dynasty]
Notes:
The Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, has recently accorded the Geographical Indications certificate to Tamil Nadu Government for “Mahabalipuram Stone Sculpture”. The Pallava dynasty, which ruled the area between 6th and 9th centuries A.D., is responsible for the creation of several such wonderful edifices. Mahendravarman (AD 580-630), his son Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla (AD 630-668), Paramesvaravarman (A.D. 672-‘700) and Narasimhavarman II Rajasimha (A.D. 700-728) had contributed the most of sculptures in Mahabalipuram and developed the port town as a centre of art and architecture.
17. The Gandhara School of Art flourished during which of the following periods?
[A] Satavahanas
[B] Guptas
[C] Mauryas
[D] Kushans
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Correct Answer: D [Kushans]
Notes:
The Kushan period is considered the Golden Period of Gandhara. Peshawar Valley and Taxila are littered with ruins of stupas and monasteries of this period. Gandharan art flourished and produced some of the best pieces of sculpture from the Indian subcontinent.
18. Which of the following Satvahan King’s name is inscribed on one of the gateways of Sanchi Stupa?
[A] Simukha
[B] Kanha
[C] Satakarni
[D] Krishna
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Correct Answer: C [Satakarni]
Notes:
Gautamiputra Satakarni, also Gautamiputra Yajna Satakarni, was a ruler of the Satavahana Empire in present-day Deccan region of India. His name is inscribed on one of the gateways of Sanchi Stupa.
19. Which Pallava ruler founded the city of Mahabalipuram and built several temples there?
[A] Simhavishnu Avanisimha
[B] Siva-Skandavaram
[C] Mahendra Vaarman I
[D] Narasimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Narasimhavarman]
Notes:
Narasimhavarman ruled from AD 630-668 and was considered the greatest of the Pallava Kings. He sent two naval expeditions to Ceylon. His greatest achievement however was the three successive triumphs over the Chalukya King Pulakesin II and annexed Vatapi to his kingdom.
20. 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.
