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.
21. When was Gautam Buddha born?
[A] 543 BC
[B] 563 BC
[C] 583 BC
[D] 593 BC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [563 BC]
Notes:
Gautam Buddha also known as Siddhartha was born in 563 BC. He was born in a Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini near Kapilvastu in Nepal. His father’s name was Shuddhodana.
22. Which of the following is known as an era of ‘Second Urbanisation’?
[A] Third century BCE
[B] Second century BCE
[C] Sixth century BCE
[D] Seventh century BCE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sixth century BCE]
Notes:
The sixth century BCE is also known as the era of ‘Second Urbanisation’ in the Indian Subcontinent. Urban centers emerged nearly after a gap of more than a thousand years after the decline of Harappan towns.
23. What was the name given to Bindusara by Greek scholars?
[A] Amitraghata
[B] Amitrochates
[C] Napoleon of India
[D] Sandrocottus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Amitrochates]
Notes:
Bindusara was the son of Chandra Gupta Maurya, and the second to sit on the throne of the Mauryan Dynasty from 298 BCE to 273 BCE. Greeks writers address him as Amitrochates which also meant the destroyer of foes.
24. Which of the following Asokan inscription makes a precise reference to taxation?
[A] Rummindei inscription
[B] Allahabad pillar inscription
[C] Barbara cave Inscription
[D] Kandhar Inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rummindei inscription ]
Notes:
Ashokan Edicts in the form of Rock Edicts, Pillar Edicts, and Cave Inscriptions are found at different places in the Indian Sub-continent. The Rummindei inscription is the only Asokan inscription which makes a precise reference to taxation.
25. Which of the following was the last ruler of this Indo-Greek dynasty?
[A] Demetrius
[B] Menander
[C] Hermaius
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hermaius]
Notes:
Hermaius was the last ruler of the the Indo-Greek dynasty. Around the last quarter of the 2nd century BCE he was defeated by the Parthians. This led to the end of Greek rule in Bactria and the area to the south of the Hindu Kush.
26. The Satavahana kingdom was divided into subdivisions which were known as?
[A] Aharas
[B] Grama
[C] Bhoga
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Aharas]
Notes:
The Satavahanas Kings retained some of the administrative units which were used during Ashokan times. The kingdom was divided into subdivisions called aharas or rashtras, meaning districts.
27. Rabatak Inscription provides the evidence of which of the following rulers?
[A] Kanishka
[B] Kadphises I
[C] Vasudeva II
[D] Vima Kadphises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanishka]
Notes:
Kanishka was the third ruler of the Kushana empire. He was the grandson of Kadphises I, the founder of the Kushana empire. The famous Rabatak Inscription written on a rock in the Bactrian language and the Greek script presents valuable information on Kanishka.
28. Which of the following kings court was adorned by nine famous scholars known as the Navaratnas?
[A] Chandragupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandragupta II]
Notes:
The court of Chandragupta II at Ujjain was adorned by nine famous scholars known as the Navaratnas or the nine gems. Kalidasa adorned the court of Chandragupta II. He was a renowned classical Sanskrit poet and playwright of India and a peerless genius.
29. Devapala was succeeded by which of the following?
[A] Narayanapala
[B] Vigrahapala
[C] Mahipala I
[D] Ramapala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vigrahapala]
Notes:
The Pala ruler ‘Devapala’ was succeeded by Vigrahapala. Vigrahapala ruled for about 3 or 4 years after that, he abdicated his throne and began to live the life of an ascetic.
30. The Kalabhras ruled in which of the following regions?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Adhra
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Kalabhras ruled in Tamil Nadu. They were referred to as evil rulers as they overthrew innumerable kings. They also put an end to Brahmadeya rights. They patronized Buddhist monasteries.
