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. The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as__?
[A] Dinara
[B] Couch
[C] Archer
[D] Chhatra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Dinara ]
Notes:
The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as Dinara. The dinara was named after the Roman coin, the denarius aureus, due to India’s trading contacts with the West.
12. Who among the following defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of river Narmada?
[A] Pulkesin I
[B] Kirtivarman I
[C] Pulkesin II
[D] Vikramaditya I
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pulkesin II]
Notes:
Harshavardhana was defeated by Chalukya king Pulakesin-II in circa. 615 AD on the bank of river Narmada. This was the most notable military achievement of Pulakeshin and it ended influence of Harsha from south of Narmada river and established this river as boundary between Uttarpatha and Dakshnipatha.
13. For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for which among the following periods?
[A] Gupta Period
[B] Maurya Period
[C] Shunga Period
[D] Satavahana period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maurya Period]
Notes:
For the first time in Indian History, the description of the State Administration was found for Mauryan period in the Arthashashtra of Kautilya. The Mauryan Empire was divided into four provinces with the imperial capital at Pataliputra.
14. At which among the following places, Chandragupta Maurya spent his last days?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Ujjain
[C] Shravana Belgola
[D] Kashi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shravana Belgola]
Notes:
Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Maurya Empire. During his last days Chandragupta Maurya accepted Jainism and spent his last days at Sravanabelagola with Bhadrabahu.
15. In which of the following modern State, most of the 24 Tirthankar of Jainism attained nirvana?
[A] Bihar
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar is the state where most of Tirthankara attained nirvana. Lord Buddha attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
16. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
[A] He accepted existence of God
[B] He didn’t accept existence of God
[C] He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of god]
Notes:
Buddha, or Siddhartha Gautama, did not explicitly affirm or deny the existence of God. His teachings focused on personal enlightenment and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing individual experience over theological speculation. This approach led to interpretations that he neither accepted nor rejected the concept of God, aligning with the agnostic stance. Buddhism generally does not center around a creator deity, distinguishing it from many other religions.
17. Who among the following was last Satavahana ruler ?
[A] Simukha
[B] Krishna
[C] Yajna Sri Satakarni
[D] Pulamavi IV
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pulamavi IV]
Notes:
Yajna Sri Satakarni was the 27th Satavahana ruler and appears to be last great ruler exercising control over vast territory. The last Satavahana ruler however, seems to be Pulumayi IV (ca. 215–225). (Andhra Pradesh district gazetteers)
18. Which among the following is NOT a correct statement in context with the Gupta Era?
[A] Gupta era is known for extensive achievements in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion and philosophy
[B] Gupta era crystallized the common elements of Hindu Culture
[C] Maximum number of Gold Coins were issued in Gupta Era
[D] The Gold Content of Gupta Era coins was maximum in comparison to previous major dynasties
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The Gold Content of Gupta Era coins was maximum in comparison to previous major dynasties]
Notes:
Although the Gupta rulers issued the largest number of gold coins, their gold content, particularly after Skandagupta was very low. This justifies the deteriorating economy in later gupta era.
19. 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.
20. 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.
