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. Nakoda at Rajasthan, which is famous for miracles at Nakodaji, is a temple of which among the following ?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Krishna
[C] Buddha
[D] Parsvanath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Parsvanath]
Notes:
Parsvanath was the 23rd of 24th Tirthankaras.
12. Who among the following was King of Magadha at the time of Mahaparinirvana of Gautam Buddha?
[A] Bimbisara
[B] Udayi
[C] Ajatshatru
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ajatshatru]
Notes:
Ajatasatru was the king of Magadha at the time of Mahaparnirvana of Gautama Buddha which is the death of Buddha. 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.
13. Which among the following is not correct ?
[A] The capital of pandyas was Madurai
[B] The capital of Cheras was Vanchi
[C] Capital of the Videha Kingdom – Mithila
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
The Pandyas ruled the south India and capital was Madurai. The cheras also ruled the south India with their capital Vanchi. The capital of Videha Kingdom is Mithila.
14. Who is the author of the historical text “Rajavalipataka”?
[A] Kalhana
[B] Pandit Jonaraja
[C] Pandit Shrivara
[D] Pandit Prajabhatta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pandit Prajabhatta]
Notes:
Pandit Prajabhatta is credited with the authorship of “Rajavalipataka”. This text is a significant historical chronicle, offering valuable insights into the cultural, socio-economic, and political aspects of the time it represents. The erudite scholars of ancient and medieval India have contributed significantly to the preservation and propagation of historical knowledge, highlighting their importance in historical research and understanding.
15. Which among the following best suits to Vajrasana?
[A] The place where Buddha got enlightment
[B] The Place where First Buddhist Council was held
[C] The capital of one of the clans of Athakula
[D] The site where a Mauryan Palace has been excavated
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The place where Buddha got enlightment]
Notes:
The Vajrasana is an ancient stone slab located under the Bodhi tree, directly beside the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. It was placed at Bodhgayā by emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire between 250-233 BCE, at the spot where the Buddha gained enlightenment about 200 years before.
16. Which among the following is considered to be the official law book of the Guptas?
[A] Manusmriti
[B] Parashara Smriti
[C] Yajnavalkya Smriti
[D] Vyasa Smriti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Yajnavalkya Smriti]
Notes:
Yajnavalkyasmriti, which is almost regarded as the official law book of Guptas, was composed also in Gupta era.
17. Vindhyashakti was founder of which of the following dynasties in ancient India?
[A] Vakataka
[B] Kakatiya
[C] Kalachuri
[D] Chalukyas of Badami
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Vakataka ]
Notes:
The Vakataka dynasty was founded by Vindhyashakti in the mid-3rd century CE. Established in 255 AD, the Vakatakas emerged as a significant power in the Deccan after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty. The dynasty is noted for its patronage of art, architecture, particularly the Ajanta Caves, and literature. Pravarsena I, one of its most renowned rulers, performed four Ashwamedha sacrifices. The Vakatakas also played a critical role in the political and cultural landscape of ancient southern India.
18. Megasthenes was an ambassador for which of the following empires?
[A] Greek
[B] Egyptian
[C] Roman
[D] Ottoman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Greek]
Notes:
Megasthenes described what he called “the great capital of Pataliputra” as the most largest and prosperous city in the world. He wrote about its palaces, school, temples, parks, and said that the wall around the city “was crowned with 570 towers and had 64 gates”.
19. Which one of the following dynasty was well-known for excellent village administration? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Pandyas
[B] Pallavas
[C] Cholas
[D] Chalukyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Cholas]
Notes:
The Chola kings followed a highly efficient system of administration. The entire Tanjore district, parts of Trichy, Pudukottai and South Arcot districts formed the part of’ the Chola Mandalam. The Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. Tanjore was the capital of the Cholas. The efficient Chola administrative system has been well appreciated by many historians and rulers.
20. Which of the following is the major difference between ‘Varna’ and ‘Jati’? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Jatis are limited whereas Varnas are unlimited
[B] Jatis are only four whereas Varnas are many
[C] Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many
[D] Jati is decided by birth but not Varna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Varnas are only four whereas Jatis are many]
Notes:
Varna’s are only four in number i.e. Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. Castes or Jatis are very large in number. They also have many subdivisions known as sub-castes.
