Indian History MCQs 34 (For UPSC PSC and other prelims exams)
31. Who among the following was the founder of the Nanda Dynasty?
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Dhana Nanda
(c) Chandragupta Maurya
(d) Bimbisara
Answer: (a) Mahapadma Nanda
Explanation:
- Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda Dynasty and is known as the first “Shudra king” of India (
). - He expanded the Magadha Empire before being overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya.
32. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally built by which ruler?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: (a) Ashoka
Explanation:
- The Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE ().
- Later, the structure was expanded during the Shunga period.
33. The concept of ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) was strongly advocated by which two ancient religions?
(a) Hinduism and Jainism
(b) Buddhism and Jainism
(c) Zoroastrianism and Hinduism
(d) Christianity and Buddhism
Answer: (b) Buddhism and Jainism
Explanation:
- Both Buddhism and Jainism emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence) as a core principle ().
- Mahavira and Buddha both rejected animal sacrifice and promoted peace and compassion.
34. Who is credited with the compilation of the Buddhist Tripitaka?
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Ashvaghosha
(c) Vasumitra
(d) Mahakashyapa
Answer: (d) Mahakashyapa
Explanation:
- Mahakashyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council, where the Tripitaka (three baskets of Buddhist scriptures) was compiled ().
- The Tripitaka consists of the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
35. The famous ‘Brihadeshwara Temple’ at Thanjavur was built by which dynasty?
(a) Chola
(b) Pallava
(c) Gupta
(d) Satavahana
Answer: (a) Chola
Explanation:
- The Brihadeshwara Temple was built by Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century CE ().
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its grand architecture and massive Shiva Lingam.
36. The earliest reference to the Varna system is found in which text?
(a) Rig Veda
(b) Arthashastra
(c) Manusmriti
(d) Upanishads
Answer: (a) Rig Veda
Explanation:
- The Varna system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) is first mentioned in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig Veda ().
- Initially based on occupation, it later became hereditary.
37. The Indus Valley Civilization did NOT have evidence of which of the following?
(a) Urban Planning
(b) Use of Bronze
(c) Horse-drawn Chariots
(d) Advanced Drainage System
Answer: (c) Horse-drawn Chariots
Explanation:
- There is no confirmed evidence of horse-drawn chariots in the Indus Valley Civilization (✘).
- However, the civilization had advanced urban planning, use of bronze tools, and an excellent drainage system ().
38. Which ancient Indian text is primarily concerned with statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy?
(a) Manusmriti
(b) Arthashastra
(c) Mahabharata
(d) Rig Veda
Answer: (b) Arthashastra
Explanation:
- The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya (Chanakya), deals with governance, economy, and military strategy ().
- It was written during the Mauryan period and provided guidelines for efficient administration.
39. Which among the following was the capital of the Gandhara Mahajanapada?
(a) Taxila
(b) Pataliputra
(c) Ujjain
(d) Kaushambi
Answer: (a) Taxila
Explanation:
- Taxila was the capital of the Gandhara Mahajanapada and a major center of learning and trade ().
- It was an important hub for Buddhist and Persian cultural influences.
40. The Gupta period is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age of India’ because of its achievements in:
(a) Trade and Commerce
(b) Science and Literature
(c) Military Conquests
(d) Expansion of Buddhism
Answer: (b) Science and Literature
Explanation:
- The Gupta period (4th-6th century CE) is called the Golden Age due to advancements in science, mathematics, literature, and arts ().
- It saw scholars like Aryabhata, Kalidasa, and Varahamihira flourish.
