Ancient Indian history MCQ with Answers

 

1. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?

a) Ashoka

b) Chandragupta Maurya

c) Bindusara

d) Bimbisara

Answer: b) Chandragupta Maurya

Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. He was a pivotal figure in ancient Indian history, uniting much of the Indian subcontinent under a centralized administration.

2. Which of the following texts is associated with the Vedic period?

a) Ramayana

b) Mahabharata

c) Rigveda

d) Arthashastra

Answer: c) Rigveda

Explanation: The Rigveda is one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, composed during the Vedic period (1500–500 BCE). It is a collection of hymns dedicated to various deities and is a key source of information on the early Vedic civilization.

3. Which Mauryan ruler embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War?

a) Bindusara

b) Chandragupta Maurya

c) Ashoka

d) Bimbisara

Answer: c) Ashoka

Explanation: Emperor Ashoka, after witnessing the devastation caused by the Kalinga War, converted to Buddhism and focused on spreading Buddhist teachings. His edicts, inscribed on rocks and pillars, reflect his commitment to dharma (righteousness).

4. The concept of the ‘Ashvamedha Yajna’ was related to what?

a) Marriage ceremony

b) Victory over territories

c) Agricultural festival

d) Worship of the Sun

Answer: b) Victory over territories

Explanation: The Ashvamedha Yajna was a horse sacrifice ritual performed by ancient Indian kings to assert their dominance. A horse was allowed to roam freely, and the regions it traveled through had to accept the sovereignty of the king performing the yajna.

5. Which Gupta emperor is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?

a) Chandragupta I

b) Samudragupta

c) Chandragupta II

d) Kumaragupta I

Answer: b) Samudragupta

Explanation: Samudragupta, one of the greatest rulers of the Gupta Empire, is often called the ‘Napoleon of India’ because of his military conquests. His campaigns expanded the Gupta Empire across large parts of India, making it a dominant power.

6. The ‘Sangam Age’ refers to the period of history in which region of India?

a) Northern India

b) Eastern India

c) Southern India

d) Western India

Answer: c) Southern India

Explanation: The Sangam Age refers to the period in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where Tamil poets and scholars gathered in assemblies known as Sangams to produce literature. This era, dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE, is significant for the early development of Tamil culture and society.

7. Who is regarded as the author of the ancient Indian text ‘Arthashastra’?

a) Manu

b) Kalidasa

c) Kautilya

d) Patanjali

Answer: c) Kautilya

Explanation: Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was the advisor to Chandragupta Maurya and is credited with writing the ‘Arthashastra,’ an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.

8. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was built under which ruler?

a) Chandragupta Maurya

b) Bindusara

c) Ashoka

d) Harsha

Answer: c) Ashoka

Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE as a major Buddhist monument. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a significant symbol of Buddhist architecture.

9. What was the capital of the Kuru kingdom during the Vedic period?

a) Hastinapura

b) Indraprastha

c) Varanasi

d) Pataliputra

Answer: a) Hastinapura

Explanation: Hastinapura was the capital of the Kuru kingdom during the later Vedic period. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the seat of the Kuru dynasty and a major political and cultural center.

10. The ancient university of Nalanda was established during the reign of which dynasty?

a) Maurya

b) Gupta

c) Shunga

d) Chola

Answer: b) Gupta

Explanation: Nalanda University was established during the reign of the Gupta dynasty, particularly under the patronage of Kumaragupta I in the 5th century CE. It became one of the most renowned centers of learning in ancient India, attracting scholars from across Asia.

11. Which famous ruler of ancient India is known for spreading Buddhism to other parts of Asia?

a) Harshavardhana

b) Chandragupta II

c) Ashoka

d) Bindusara

Answer: c) Ashoka

Explanation: Emperor Ashoka, after converting to Buddhism, sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and other regions to spread the teachings of Buddhism. His efforts significantly contributed to the expansion of Buddhism beyond India.

12. The Harappan Civilization is part of which larger historical phenomenon?

a) Chalcolithic Age

b) Bronze Age

c) Iron Age

d) Neolithic Age

Answer: b) Bronze Age

Explanation: The Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2500–1900 BCE) was a Bronze Age civilization. It was marked by advanced urban planning, trade, and metallurgy, particularly the use of bronze for tools and artifacts.

13. The ‘Ajivika’ sect, which flourished in ancient India, was founded by whom?

a) Makkhali Gosala

b) Vardhamana Mahavira

c) Siddhartha Gautama

d) Pingala

Answer: a) Makkhali Gosala

Explanation: The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha. Ajivikas believed in absolute determinism and fatalism, rejecting free will, and it was a prominent school of thought during the Mauryan era.

14. Which ancient Indian text is considered the first known treatise on grammar?

a) Mahabhashya

b) Natya Shastra

c) Ashtadhyayi

d) Meghaduta

Answer: c) Ashtadhyayi

Explanation: The ‘Ashtadhyayi,’ written by the sage Panini around 5th century BCE, is regarded as the earliest and most comprehensive grammar treatise in the world. It systematically codifies the rules of Sanskrit grammar.

15. Which of the following ancient Indian cities was known for its advanced drainage system?

a) Taxila

b) Lothal

c) Pataliputra

d) Varanasi

Answer: b) Lothal

Explanation: Lothal, one of the important cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, had an advanced drainage system and is particularly famous for its dockyard, indicating its role in maritime trade and urban planning.

16. The term 'Vedic' refers to what period in Indian history?

a) Bronze Age

b) Iron Age

c) Stone Age

d) Copper Age

Answer: b) Iron Age

Explanation: The Vedic period (1500–500 BCE) corresponds to the early Iron Age in India, when the Indo-Aryans composed the Vedas and settled in northern India. The use of iron tools and weapons became widespread during this time.

17. Who was the ruler of Magadha when Alexander invaded India?

a) Bimbisara

b) Dhanananda

c) Chandragupta Maurya

d) Ashoka

Answer: b) Dhanananda

Explanation: Dhanananda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty in Magadha when Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. His unpopular rule contributed to the eventual rise of Chandragupta Maurya, who overthrew him and founded the Maurya Empire.

18. The Gupta period is often called the ‘Golden Age of India’ because of which of the following?

a) Extensive trade routes

b) Flourishing art, literature, and science

c) Military conquests

d) Religious reforms

Answer: b) Flourishing art, literature, and science

Explanation: The Gupta period (circa 320–550 CE) is termed the ‘Golden Age’ due to the remarkable progress in literature, arts, science, and mathematics. Scholars like Kalidasa, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira made significant contributions during this period.

19. Who among the following was a famous astronomer and mathematician during the Gupta period?

a) Patanjali

b) Varahamihira

c) Bhaskaracharya

d) Charaka

Answer: b) Varahamihira

Explanation: Varahamihira was a prominent mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period. He is best known for his work, ‘Brihat Samhita,’ which covers a wide range of subjects including astronomy, astrology, and weather prediction.

20. The ‘Nalanda University’ was renowned for being a center of learning during which ruler’s reign?

a) Chandragupta Maurya

b) Harshavardhana

c) Ashoka

d) Kanishka

Answer: b) Harshavardhana

Explanation: Although Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period, it reached its peak under Harshavardhana’s reign (606–647 CE), who was a great patron of education and Buddhism. The university attracted students from all over Asia.

21. Which ancient Indian dynasty is known for its naval power and trade relations with Southeast Asia?

a) Maurya

b) Chola

c) Gupta

d) Satavahana

Answer: b) Chola

Explanation: The Chola dynasty, which flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries, was known for its powerful navy and extensive trade relations with Southeast Asian countries. The Cholas conducted successful naval expeditions and expanded their influence across the seas.

22. The Indus Valley Civilization is believed to have declined due to which of the following factors?

a) Invasion by Aryans

b) Earthquakes and climate change

c) Overpopulation

d) Discovery of iron

Answer: b) Earthquakes and climate change

Explanation: While there are multiple theories regarding the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, evidence suggests that environmental factors such as droughts, floods, or earthquakes could have played a major role. The gradual change in climate likely impacted the region’s agriculture and water resources.

23. Which of the following was a major center of learning in ancient India, besides Nalanda?

a) Varanasi

b) Takshashila

c) Pataliputra

d) Ujjain

Answer: b) Takshashila

Explanation: Takshashila (modern-day Taxila, in Pakistan) was one of the most important centers of learning in ancient India. It was a thriving hub for knowledge and attracted scholars like Chanakya and Panini long before Nalanda became famous.

24. Which ruler of the Satavahana dynasty is credited with significant contributions to literature and trade?

a) Simuka

b) Satakarni

c) Gautamiputra Satakarni

d) Hala

Answer: c) Gautamiputra Satakarni

Explanation: Gautamiputra Satakarni was one of the greatest rulers of the Satavahana dynasty. He is credited with revitalizing the empire and expanding its territories. Under his reign, trade flourished, and he played a key role in promoting Prakrit literature.

25. The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent is found in which region?

a) Punjab

b) Rajasthan

c) Gujarat

d) Baluchistan

Answer: d) Baluchistan

Explanation: The earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent is found in Mehrgarh, in present-day Baluchistan (Pakistan). This Neolithic site, dating back to around 7000 BCE, shows early signs of farming, particularly wheat and barley cultivation.