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.
1. The University of Nalanda was set up by which Gupta ruler?
[A] Kumargupta I
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Samudragupta
[D] Kumargupta II
Correct Answer: A [ Kumargupta I ]
2. What was the name of Gautam Buddha’s only son ?
[A] Rahul
[B] Channa
[C] Kanthala
[D] Chunda
Correct Answer: A [ Rahul ]
3. The grandson of Ashoka, who accepted Jainism was __?
[A] Samprati
[B] Kunala
[C] Dasharatha
[D] Salisuka
Correct Answer: A [ Samprati ]
4. Mathura, the famous city was the capital of which ancient Mahajanapada?
[A] Panchal
[B] Kasi
[C] Kuru
[D] Sursena
Correct Answer: D [ Sursena ]
5. Which rock edict gives information about Asoka’s conversion to Buddhism?
[A] Bhabru rock edict
[B] Kalinga rock edict
[C] Tarai rock edict
[D] Barabar cave rock edict\
Correct Answer: A [ Bhabru rock edict ]
6. To which of the following ethnic hordes, Toramana belonged to ?
[A] Scythians
[B] Hunas
[C] Yue-chis
[D] Sakas
Correct Answer: B [ Hunas ]
7. The Gufkral prehistoric site is located in which state / Union Territory of India?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Karnataka
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B [ Jammu & Kashmir ]
8. Which among the following is the bilingual inscription?
[A] Girnar Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Maski Inscription
[D] Bairut Inscription
Correct Answer: B [ Kandhar Inscription ]
9. Who composed Prayag-Prashasti inscription during the Gupta period?
[A] Harisena
[B] Veerasena
[C] Amarkhaddava
[D] Aswaghosa
Correct Answer: A [ Harisena ]
10. Who among the following introduced Shaka era?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Rudraraman
[D] Bimbisara
Correct Answer: B [ Kanishka ]
11. Which of the following was most probably the first metal to be used in India?
[A] Iron
[B] Copper
[C] Gold
[D] Silver
Correct Answer: B [ Copper ]
12. The temple architecture of which among the following has shown a transition from the Rock Cut Architecture to the Stone built temples?
[A] Cholas
[B] Cheras
[C] Chalukyas
[D] Pallavas
Correct Answer: D [Pallavas]
13. Consider the following statements:
1. Both Mitakshara and Dayabhaga are ancient Indian legal texts
2. Both Jimutvahana and Vijnaneshwara were prominent Jurists of ancient India
Which among the above is / are correct statements?
[A] 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
14. Which of the following physicians was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha ?
[A] Charaka
[B] Sushena
[C] Jivaka
[D] Vagbhatta
Correct Answer: C [Jivaka]
15. Which of the following statements conform to the tradition about Vedas?
- Vedas are eternal and not authored by human beings
- Vedas comprise the traditional wisdom transmitted from generation to generation
- Vedas are root or primordial texts of Hindu tradition
- Vedas are composed of versified mantras, prose mantras, and melodies
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 2, 3 & 4
[B] 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Correct Answer: D [ 1, 2, 3 & 4 ]
16. The famous Gayatri Mantra which is addressed to solar deity, is a highly revered mantra from the _?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Chandogya Upanishad
[C] Shatapatha Brahmana
[D] Atharvaveda
Correct Answer: A [ Rig Veda]
17. In which of the following places earliest evidence of man in India is found?
[A] Siwalik Hills
[B] Nilgiris
[C] Narmada Valley
[D] Siwalik Hills
Correct Answer: C [ Narmada Valley ]
18. In which of the following places Ochre Coloured Pottery culture (OCP) is mainly found?
[A] Western UP
[B] Bengal
[C] Bihar
[D] Eastern UP
Correct Answer: A [ Western UP ]
19. Events which occurred before the invention of writing come under which of the following?
[A] Prehistory
[B] Proto-history
[C] History
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [Prehistory]
20. Which of the following are a part of proto-history?
1. Neolithic
2. Chalcolithic
3. Harappan civilisation
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1
[B] 1 & 2
[C] 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]