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Ancient Indian History Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs Quiz) with answers and detailed explanations to help you prepare for General Studies and General Knowledge for different competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, Railways, Banking, SSC-CGL, NDA, CDS, and State Public Service Commissions.
1. Which of the following Pala ruler founded the Somapuri University?
[A] Ramapala
[B] Kumarpala
[C] Dharmapala
[D] Gopala
Correct Answer: C [Dharmapala]
Notes:
Somapuri University, established by Dharmapala, a ruler of the Pala dynasty, is located in North Bengal.
2. The famous book ‘Brihat Katha’ was written by ________.
[A] Panini
[B] Gunadhya
[C] Sarva Varman
[D] Radhagupt
Correct Answer: B [Gunadhya]
Notes:
The well-known book ‘Brihat Katha’ was authored by Gunadhya, a distinguished scholar in the court of King Hala of the Satvahana dynasty.
3. The last Mauryan ruler, who was killed by his Commander-in-Chief was ________?
[A] Dasaratha
[B] Kun-ala Ancient Indian art printsAncient history book
[C] Samprati
[D] Brihadratha
Correct Answer:D [Brihadratha]
Notes:
Emperor Brihadratha of the Maurya Empire was assassinated by his commander, Pushymitra Shunga. Pushymitra then established the Shunga Dynasty around 185-183 BC.
4. Who among the following was the author of Kiratarjuniya?
[A] Bharavi
[B] Dandin
[C] Varahmihira
[D] Kalidasa
Correct Answer: A [Bharavi]
Notes:
Bharavi was a famous Sanskrit poet from the 6th century, known for writing “Kiratarjuniya.” This title means “Arjuna and the Mountain Man.” The work focuses on themes of morality and dharma, presenting a teaching story from the Mahabharata. It emphasizes human values and virtues, making it an important piece of ancient Indian literature.
5. The oldest evidence in human history for the drilling of teeth in a living person was found in which of the following cultures?
[A] Ahar banas
[B] Mehrgarh
[C] Sohn Valley
[D] Malwa
Correct Answer: B [Mehrgarh]
Notes:
In April 2006, the journal Nature reported the discovery of the oldest signs of drilling in human teeth from living individuals at the Mehrgarh neolithic site in Balochistan, Pakistan, dating back to between 7,500 BCE and 9,000 BCE. Researchers found eleven molar crowns with drill marks, marking the earliest known example of proto-dentistry globally. This suggests that the early farming communities in Mehrgarh had advanced medical knowledge and skills.
6. In which inscription, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka refers himself as Piyadassi laja Magadhe (Piyadassi, King of Magadha)?
[A] Junagarh Inscription
[B] Kandhar Inscription
[C] Dipavamsa Inscription
[D] Babhru Inscription
Correct Answer: D [Babhru Inscription]
Notes:
In the Babhru edict, Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire calls himself Piyadassi, King of Magadha. In this edict, he expresses his belief in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha.
7. In which Mandal of Rigveda ‘Gayatri Mantra is mentioned?
[A] 1
[B] 2
[C] 3
[D] 4
Correct Answer: C [3]
Notes:
The Gayatri Mantra is found in the third Mandala of the Rigveda. This Mandala contains 62 hymns, primarily dedicated to Agni and Indra. It is part of the “family books” (mandalas 2-7), which are the oldest sections of the Rigveda. Additionally, this Mandala references the Kikats, a non-Aryan tribe believed by many scholars to have lived near Magadha in present-day Bihar.
8. Which among the following was the royal emblem of Chola Kingdom?
[A] Bow
[B] Tiger
[C] Carp
[D] Fish
Correct Answer: B [Tiger]
Notes:
The Chola kingdom, called Cholamandulam, was located to the northeast of the Pandya kingdom, between the Pennar and Vellar rivers. The royal symbol of the Chola Kingdom was the tiger.
9. Buddhacharita, the epic biography of Gautama Buddha in Sanskrit was written by _______.
[A] Asvaghosa
[B] Indrabhuti
[C] Asanga
[D] Bodhisena
Correct Answer: A [Asvaghosa]
Notes:
The Buddha Charita is a biography of Buddha written by Ashvaghosa, likely in the first century C.E. Ashvaghosa was a famous Sanskrit poet. This work consists of 28 songs that tell the story of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life until his significant awakening.
10. The last ruler of the Mauryan Dynasty, who was assassinated by Pushyamitra Sunga, his commander-in-chief was ________ ?
[A] Bindusara
[B] Chandragupta
[C] Brihadrata
[D] Ashokavardhan
Correct Answer: C [Brihadrata]
Notes:
Brihadrata was killed in 185 BCE at a military parade by Pusyamitra Sunga, the chief of his guard. Pusyamitra then seized the throne and started the Sunga dynasty. Brihadrata was the final ruler of the Mauryan dynasty, and his lands had greatly reduced since the reign of Emperor Ashoka, but he continued to support Buddhism.
