Welcome to “Set 2” of our “Indian History – UPSC MCQ Series”! This meticulously curated collection of high-level multiple-choice questions continues to explore significant events and periods in ancient Indian history. In this set, we delve deeper into the Mahajanapadas, the evolution of Jainism and Buddhism, the Post-Mauryan era, and the rise of various foreign and indigenous dynasties, along with their cultural and administrative contributions. Each question is accompanied by a detailed explanation to enhance your understanding and aid your competitive exam preparation.
Set 2
51. Which Mahajanapada was most powerful during the time of Buddha?
A. Kashi
B. Kosala
C. Magadha
D. Avanti
Answer: C
Explanation: During the time of Gautama Buddha (c. 6th-5th century BCE), Magadha emerged as the most powerful and dominant Mahajanapada. Its strategic geographical location, rich agricultural land, and control over iron resources contributed to its imperial expansion.
52. Who among the following was associated with the Ajivika sect?
A. Makkhali Gosala
B. Mahavira
C. Charvaka
D. Pakudha Kaccayana
Answer: A
Explanation: Makkhali Gosala was a contemporary of Mahavira and Buddha, and he is considered the founder and leader of the Ajivika sect. The Ajivikas were known for their strict fatalism (Niyati), believing that all events are predetermined.
53. Which dynasty was ruling Magadha immediately before the Mauryas?
A. Haryanka
B. Nanda
C. Shunga
D. Sisunaga
Answer: B
Explanation: The Nanda dynasty was ruling Magadha immediately before the rise of the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya), overthrew the last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda, to establish the Mauryan Empire around 321 BCE.
54. The famous Hathigumpha inscription belongs to:
A. Ashoka
B. Kharavela
C. Pushyamitra Sunga
D. Harsha
Answer: B
Explanation: The Hathigumpha inscription (Elephant Cave inscription), located in Udayagiri, Odisha, is a major source of information on the history of ancient Kalinga. It was inscribed by King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty in the 1st century BCE.
55. The First Buddhist Council was held at:
A. Rajagriha
B. Vaishali
C. Pataliputra
D. Kashmir
Answer: A
Explanation: The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajagriha (modern Rajgir) in Magadha, immediately after the Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Buddha, around 483 BCE. Its main purpose was to compile and recite the teachings of the Buddha (Dhamma) and the monastic rules (Vinaya).
56. The language used in early Buddhist scriptures was:
A. Sanskrit
B. Prakrit
C. Pali
D. Magadhi
Answer: C
Explanation: The earliest Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Tripitaka, were primarily written in Pali, a Middle Indo-Aryan language. Buddha himself is believed to have preached in Magadhi, a dialect of Prakrit, which evolved into Pali for the canonical texts.
57. Which school of Buddhism believes in idol worship and Bodhisattvas?
A. Hinayana
B. Theravada
C. Mahayana
D. Vajrayana
Answer: C
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged prominently after the 1st century CE, emphasizes the concept of Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings who delay their own Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment) and incorporates idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas as a means of devotion. Hinayana (Theravada) focuses more on individual enlightenment and adheres more closely to the original teachings.
58. The Nalanda University was founded during the reign of:
A. Ashoka
B. Samudragupta
C. Kumaragupta I
D. Harshavardhana
Answer: C
Explanation: The renowned Nalanda Mahavihara, a great Buddhist monastic university in ancient Magadha, was founded during the reign of Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty, in the 5th century CE.
59. The Sanchi Stupa was originally built by:
A. Bindusara
B. Kanishka
C. Ashoka
D. Harsha
Answer: C
Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Madhya Pradesh, was originally commissioned and built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was later enlarged and adorned with gateways (toranas) in subsequent periods.
60. Who among the following composed the Milindapanho?
A. Nagarjuna
B. Buddhaghosa
C. Nagasena
D. Asvaghosha
Answer: C
Explanation: The Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda) is an important non-canonical Buddhist text. It records a dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena, discussing various aspects of Buddhist doctrine.
61. The most important literary source on the Mauryan administration is:
A. Manu Smriti
B. Arthashastra
C. Megasthenes’ Indica
D. Ashokan Edicts
Answer: B
Explanation: The Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy attributed to Kautilya (Chanakya), is considered the most important indigenous literary source for understanding the intricate and centralized Mauryan administration. Megasthenes’ Indica provides an external perspective but is known through fragments.
62. According to Megasthenes, Indian society was divided into:
A. Four varnas
B. Seven classes
C. Six guilds
D. Five sects
Answer: B
Explanation: In his work “Indika,” the Greek ambassador Megasthenes described Indian society as being divided into seven classes or occupational groups: philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates (supervisors), and councillors (assessors). This differs from the traditional four-varna system.
63. The doctrine of “Pratityasamutpada” is associated with:
A. Jainism
B. Buddhism
C. Mimansa
D. Vedanta
Answer: B
Explanation: Pratityasamutpada, or “Dependent Origination,” is a fundamental doctrine in Buddhism. It states that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena, emphasizing the interconnectedness and impermanence of existence and the chain of cause and effect leading to suffering.
64. The Buddha delivered his first sermon at:
A. Bodh Gaya
B. Sarnath
C. Kushinagar
D. Vaishali
Answer: B
Explanation: After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautama Buddha traveled to Sarnath (near Varanasi) and delivered his first sermon to his five former companions. This event is known as “Dharma Chakra Pravartana” (Turning the Wheel of Dhamma).
65. The Buddhist text ‘Mahavamsa’ was written in:
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Prakrit
D. Tamil
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mahavamsa is an epic poem written in the Pali language. It chronicles the ancient history of Sri Lanka, intertwined with the history of Buddhism on the island, and covers the period from the arrival of Vijaya to the reign of King Mahasena.
66. The symbol of the wheel in Buddhist art stands for:
A. Buddha’s birth
B. Nirvana
C. Dharma
D. Eightfold Path
Answer: C
Explanation: The Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dhamma) is one of the most prominent symbols in Buddhist art. It represents the Dharma or the teachings of Buddha, particularly the Noble Eightfold Path, which leads to enlightenment and liberation.
67. The earliest reference to iron in India is found in:
A. Rig Veda
B. Atharva Veda
C. Yajur Veda
D. Sama Veda
Answer: A
Explanation: While more explicit and frequent references to iron (“syama ayas” or “krishna ayas”) appear in later Vedic texts like the Atharva Veda, the term ‘ayas’ (metal) in the Rig Veda is sometimes interpreted by scholars to include an early, perhaps rudimentary, knowledge of iron, even if copper/bronze was more prevalent.
68. Which one of the following was the most important industry during Mauryan times?
A. Textile
B. Iron-smelting
C. Mining
D. Arms and weapons
Answer: A
Explanation: During the Mauryan period, the textile industry was a highly significant and well-organized sector. Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentions state control over weaving and spinning activities, indicating its economic importance.
69. The administrative division Vishaya during Mauryan period refers to:
A. Village
B. District
C. Province
D. Trade post
Answer: B
Explanation: In the Mauryan administration, the empire was divided into provinces (Chakras), which were further subdivided into districts. The administrative division known as Vishaya corresponded to a district, headed by a Vishayapati.
70. The punch-marked coins were made of:
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Copper
D. Bronze
Answer: B
Explanation: The earliest punch-marked coins in India, dating back to the Mahajanapada period (c. 6th century BCE), were predominantly made of silver, though some copper punch-marked coins have also been found.
71. Ashokan pillars were mostly made of which stone?
A. Marble
B. Granite
C. Sandstone
D. Basalt
Answer: C
Explanation: Ashokan pillars, famous for their monolithic construction and polished surfaces, were primarily carved from a specific type of buff-colored sandstone sourced from the quarries of Chunar, near Varanasi.
72. The sacred text of Jainism Acharanga Sutra contains:
A. Rules for monastic life
B. Teachings of Parsvanatha
C. Mahavira’s biography
D. Rules for lay followers
Answer: A
Explanation: The Acharanga Sutra (Ayārāṃga Sutta) is one of the foundational sacred texts of Jainism. It is a detailed treatise that primarily outlines the rules for monastic life and conduct for Jain monks and nuns, emphasizing strict asceticism.
73. The principle of “Syadvada” is associated with:
A. Buddhism
B. Jainism
C. Charvaka
D. Samkhya
Answer: B
Explanation: Syadvada, also known as the “doctrine of ‘maybe'” or the “doctrine of standpoints,” is a fundamental philosophical concept in Jainism. It holds that all statements are true only in some respect, under some conditions, and from some standpoint, implying the complexity of reality.
74. The Tirthankaras of Jainism are:
A. 18
B. 21
C. 24
D. 27
Answer: C
Explanation: In Jain tradition, there have been a total of 24 Tirthankaras (ford-makers or spiritual teachers) who attained omniscience (Kevalajnana) and taught the path to liberation. Rishabhanatha was the first, and Mahavira was the 24th and last.
75. In Jain tradition, who attained Kevalajnana under a Sal tree?
A. Mahavira
B. Rishabha
C. Neminatha
D. Ajitanatha
Answer: A
Explanation: According to Jain tradition, Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, attained Kevalajnana (omniscience or ultimate enlightenment) after 12 years of intense asceticism, under a Sal tree on the bank of the river Rijupalika near the village Jrimbhikagrama.
76. The Jain Council at Vallabhi compiled:
A. Twelve Angas
B. Four Vedas
C. Tipitaka
D. Avesta
Answer: A
Explanation: The Second Jain Council, held at Vallabhi in Gujarat in the 5th century CE, was crucial for the compilation and final reduction of the Jain canonical texts, particularly the Twelve Angas, which represent the core teachings of Jainism.
77. The ‘Tripitaka’ of Buddhism consists of:
A. Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma
B. Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka
C. Sutra, Sastra, Samhita
D. Vedanta, Sankhya, Mimansa
Answer: A
Explanation: The Tripitaka (meaning “Three Baskets”) is the traditional collection of Buddhist scriptures. It consists of three main divisions: Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), Sutta Pitaka (discourses and sermons of Buddha), and Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and psychological analyses of the Dhamma).
78. The earliest Buddhist architecture is represented by:
A. Rock-cut caves
B. Chaityas
C. Stupas
D. Viharas
Answer: C
Explanation: The earliest forms of Buddhist architecture are primarily represented by Stupas. Initially simple burial mounds containing Buddha’s relics, they evolved into elaborate hemispherical structures that served as objects of veneration.
79. The earliest Jain temples were built in:
A. Mount Abu
B. Shravanabelagola
C. Ellora
D. Rajgir
Answer: D
Explanation: While famous Jain temples exist in Mount Abu and Ellora, some of the earliest examples of Jain rock-cut shrines and temples can be found in Rajgir (Bihar), particularly the Sonbhandar caves, dating back to the Mauryan or pre-Mauryan periods.
80. Which Mauryan ruler is known for the organization of animal hospitals?
A. Chandragupta
B. Bindusara
C. Ashoka
D. Dasaratha
Answer: C
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka is famously known for his compassionate policies, including the establishment of hospitals for both humans and animals. This commitment to animal welfare was a key aspect of his Dhamma.
81. The Buddhist monastic code is known as:
A. Vinaya Pitaka
B. Dhammapada
C. Jataka
D. Abhidhamma
Answer: A
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three “baskets” of the Tripitaka, the primary canon of Buddhism. It contains the rules and regulations governing the monastic life of Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).
82. The Indus Valley civilization did not have:
A. Proper roads
B. Script
C. Temples
D. Granaries
Answer: C
Explanation: While the Indus Valley Civilization had well-planned cities with proper roads, a unique undeciphered script, and impressive granaries (e.g., at Harappa and Mohenjodaro), there is no definitive archaeological evidence of temples or monumental religious structures dedicated to specific deities.
83. The Post-Mauryan Indo-Greek ruler who embraced Buddhism was:
A. Menander
B. Demetrius
C. Antialcidas
D. Kanishka
Answer: A
Explanation: Menander I Soter (Milinda in Buddhist texts) was a prominent Indo-Greek king who ruled in the 2nd century BCE. He is celebrated in the Buddhist text Milindapanho for his philosophical dialogues with the monk Nagasena, which suggest his conversion to Buddhism.
84. The Indo-Greeks introduced which coin innovation?
A. Double-die
B. Punch-mark
C. Cast metal
D. Portrait coins
Answer: D
Explanation: The Indo-Greeks introduced several innovations in Indian coinage, most notably the practice of issuing portrait coins. These coins featured realistic portraits of the ruling monarch on one side and a deity on the other, along with bilingual legends in Greek and Kharosthi scripts.
85. Kanishka ruled during which century?
A. 1st BCE
B. 1st CE
C. 2nd CE
D. 3rd CE
Answer: B
Explanation: The reign of the great Kushana emperor Kanishka is generally considered to have begun in 78 CE. This date is often associated with the start of the Saka Era. Therefore, his rule falls primarily in the late 1st century CE and early 2nd century CE.
86. The Saka ruler Rudradaman I is known for:
A. Iron weapons
B. Junagadh inscription
C. Buddhist patronage
D. Founding a new era
Answer: B
Explanation: The Saka ruler Rudradaman I (2nd century CE) of the Western Satraps is most famous for the Junagadh inscription (also known as Girnar inscription). This inscription is significant for being the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit and for detailing the repair of the Sudarshana Lake, originally built during the Mauryan period.
87. The capital of the Satavahanas was:
A. Paithan
B. Amaravati
C. Nasik
D. Kanchi
Answer: A
Explanation: The primary capital of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled in the Deccan region, was Paithan (also known as Pratishthana) on the banks of the Godavari River. Amaravati and Nasik were also significant centers but not the main capital.
88. Who issued the first long inscription in Sanskrit?
A. Samudragupta
B. Ashoka
C. Rudradaman I
D. Kanishka
Answer: C
Explanation: The Junagadh inscription of the Saka ruler Rudradaman I (c. 150 CE) is historically significant for being the first long inscription in chaste Sanskrit, marking a shift from the Prakrit-dominated inscriptions of earlier periods.
89. Indo-Parthians ruled parts of India before:
A. Indo-Greeks
B. Sakas
C. Kushanas
D. Guptas
Answer: C
Explanation: In the sequence of foreign invasions and rules in post-Mauryan India, the Indo-Parthians (also known as Pahlavas) ruled parts of northwestern India and Afghanistan, succeeding some of the Indo-Greek and Saka rulers, and were themselves eventually displaced by the rising power of the Kushanas.
90. Gandhara school of art flourished under:
A. Satavahanas
B. Indo-Greeks
C. Kushanas
D. Guptas
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gandhara school of art, known for its Greco-Roman influence and realistic depiction of Buddha, flourished primarily under the patronage of the Kushana rulers, especially during the reign of Kanishka (1st-2nd century CE).
91. Amaravati school of art is known for:
A. Persian influence
B. Buddha’s metal icons
C. White marble sculptures
D. Detailed narrative reliefs
Answer: D
Explanation: The Amaravati school of art, which flourished in the Deccan under the Satavahanas, is particularly renowned for its vibrant and highly elaborate detailed narrative reliefs on stupas, often depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and Jataka tales. It extensively used white marble.
92. Who among the following was a woman Buddhist scholar in early India?
A. Vishakha
B. Amrapali
C. Dhammadinna
D. Yashodhara
Answer: C
Explanation: Dhammadinna was a prominent woman Buddhist scholar and nun (bhikkhuni) mentioned in the Pali Canon, particularly in the Majjhima Nikaya. She was highly praised by Buddha himself for her extensive knowledge and ability to teach Dhamma.
93. Which ruler is associated with the spread of Mahayana Buddhism to Central Asia?
A. Menander
B. Kanishka
C. Ashoka
D. Harsha
Answer: B
Explanation: The Kushana emperor Kanishka was a great patron of Mahayana Buddhism. His active patronage and political influence played a crucial role in the expansion and spread of Mahayana Buddhism from India into Central Asia and further into China.
94. Ashvaghosha wrote the famous work:
A. Buddhacharita
B. Dhammapada
C. Mahavamsa
D. Milindapanho
Answer: A
Explanation: Ashvaghosha was a renowned Buddhist philosopher, poet, and dramatist who lived in the 1st-2nd century CE, serving in the court of Kanishka. His most famous work is the Buddhacharita, an epic poem on the life of Gautama Buddha.
95. Who was the last Indo-Greek ruler?
A. Strato II
B. Menander
C. Demetrius
D. Hermaeus
Answer: A
Explanation: Strato II (c. 25 BCE – 10 CE) is generally considered to be the last Indo-Greek ruler in Punjab, whose small kingdom was eventually absorbed by the Indo-Scythians (Sakas).
96. Who built the Sudarshana lake in Kathiawar?
A. Chandragupta
B. Ashoka
C. Pushyamitra
D. Rudradaman I
Answer: D
Explanation: The Sudarshana Lake in Kathiawar (Saurashtra, Gujarat) was originally constructed by Pushyagupta, a governor under Chandragupta Maurya. It was later enlarged and repaired by Tushaspha, a governor under Ashoka. However, it was extensively restored and rebuilt by the Saka ruler Rudradaman I (as detailed in his Junagadh inscription) after it was damaged by a storm, which is why he is most famously associated with its construction/restoration in MCQs.
97. The term Yavana in ancient texts refers to:
A. Arabs
B. Greeks
C. Romans
D. Persians
Answer: B
Explanation: The term Yavana (or Yona) in ancient Indian texts, particularly from the Vedic and later periods, was commonly used to refer to the Greeks (Ionians), specifically those from the Hellenistic kingdoms established after Alexander’s conquests who interacted with India.
98. The Bactrian Greeks entered India after:
A. Chandragupta
B. Ashoka
C. Alexander’s death
D. The fall of Nandas
Answer: C
Explanation: The Bactrian Greeks, who ruled the Hellenistic kingdom of Bactria (present-day Afghanistan and Central Asia), began to expand into India only after Alexander’s death (323 BCE) and the subsequent disintegration of his empire, as well as the decline of the Mauryan Empire.
99. Which of the following dynasties ruled before the Mauryas in Magadha?
A. Shishunagas
B. Guptas
C. Sakas
D. Kushanas
Answer: A
Explanation: The chronological order of major dynasties that ruled Magadha before the Mauryas is: Haryanka dynasty, followed by the Shishunaga dynasty, and then the Nanda dynasty. The Guptas, Sakas, and Kushanas came much later in Indian history.
100. The capital of the Indo-Greek kingdom in India was:
A. Pataliputra
B. Ujjain
C. Sakala
D. Mathura
Answer: C
Explanation: The capital of the Indo-Greek kingdom, particularly under rulers like Menander, was Sakala (also known as Sagala), which is modern-day Sialkot in Punjab, Pakistan.