Best Ancient History MCQs and Mock Test for SSC Exam Preparation
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Here’s your chance to master Ancient Indian History – one of the most scoring sections in SSC exams!
This post provides the top Ancient History multiple choice questions (MCQs) selected from previous year SSC papers, tailored for aspirants of SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, and other government exams.
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Best Ancient History MCQs
Q1. In the 4th century BCE, the capital of Magadha was shifted to –––––.
(a) Rajagriha
(b) Vaishali
(c) Champa
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: d) Pataliputra
Explanation: The capital of the Magadha empire was originally Rajagriha. However, during the 4th century BCE, Udayin (son of Ajatashatru) shifted the capital to Pataliputra due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers, which provided both defensive and economic advantages.
Q2. Kalinga’s King Kharvela was associated with which of the following dynasty?
(a) Maurya Dynasty
(b) Satavahana Dynasty
(c) Ganga Dynasty
(d) Chedi Dynasty (Mahameghavahana Dynasty)
Answer: d) Chedi Dynasty (Mahameghavahana Dynasty)
Explanation: King Kharavela, a powerful ruler of Kalinga (present-day Odisha) in the 2nd century BCE, belonged to the Chedi dynasty, also known as the Mahameghavahana dynasty. His achievements are primarily recorded in the Hathigumpha inscription.
Q3. Which was the first empire in ancient India to use elephants in its war on a large scale?
(a) Haryanka Empire
(b) Shishunaga Empire
(c) Gupta Empire
(d) Magadha Empire
Answer: d) Magadha Empire
Explanation: The Magadha Empire, particularly under the Nanda dynasty and later the Mauryas, was highly effective in using war elephants on a large scale. This gave them a significant military advantage over other kingdoms and contributed to their expansion.
Q4. Who was responsible for the murdered of the last Mauryan emperor?
(a) Pushyamitra Sunga
(b) Agnimitra Sunga
(c) Vasumitra Sunga
(d) Devabhuti Sunga
Answer: a) Pushyamitra Sunga
Explanation: The last Mauryan emperor, Brihadratha, was assassinated in 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Shunga, who then founded the Shunga dynasty.
Q5. How many members were entrusted with the responsibility of administrative work of the Maurya Army?
(a) 15
(b) 20
(c) 25
(d) 30
Answer: d) 30
Explanation: According to Megasthenes’ Indica, the administration of the Mauryan army in Pataliputra was managed by a board of 30 members, divided into six committees of five members each, each responsible for a specific aspect (infantry, cavalry, elephants, chariots, navy, and commissariat).
Q6. Who classified Indian society into seven classes?
(a) Kautilya
(b) Fa-Hien
(c) Xuanzang
(d) Megasthenes
Answer: d) Megasthenes
Explanation: The Greek ambassador Megasthenes, in his famous work ‘Indica’, observed and classified Indian society into seven categories: philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates, and councillors.
Q7. According to the inscriptions of Ashoka, which of the following was not a provincial center in the Magadha Empire?
(a) Taxila
(b) Ujjain
(c) Tosali
(d) Kausambi
Answer: d) Kausambi
Explanation: The major provincial administrative centers of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka, as indicated by his inscriptions, were Taxila (north-western), Ujjain (western), Tosali (eastern/Kalinga), and Suvarnagiri (southern). Kausambi was an important city but not a major provincial capital.
Q8. Which of the following texts gives a detailed description of the administrative and military organization of the period of Mauryan empire?
(a) Mudrarakshasa
(b) Puranas
(c) Arthashastra
(d) Indica
Answer: d) Indica
Explanation: Megasthenes’ ‘Indica’ is a primary Greek text that provides a detailed account of Mauryan administration, social structure, and military organization, based on his observations during his stay in Pataliputra. While Arthashastra also provides administrative details, Indica is known for its explicit descriptive account of the period.
Q9. In Kautilya’s Saptanga siddhanta, “Amatya” represents which of the following?
(a) Territory
(b) Fort
(c) Treasury
(d) Ministers/Officials
Answer: d) Ministers/Officials
Explanation: In Kautilya’s Saptanga (seven limbs) theory of the state, ‘Amatya’ refers to the ministers, councillors, or bureaucracy, who are crucial for the efficient functioning of the government and administration.
Q10. Which of the following Maurya rulers conquered Kalinga?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka is famously known for conquering Kalinga (present-day coastal Odisha) in a brutal war around 261 BCE, which led to immense bloodshed and ultimately a profound change in his heart.
Q11. How many years after his coronation did emperor Ashoka conquer Kalinga?
(a) 4 years
(b) 6 years
(c) 7 years
(d) 8 years
Answer: d) 8 years
Explanation: According to Ashokan rock edicts (Major Rock Edict XIII), Emperor Ashoka conquered Kalinga eight years after his coronation (approximately in 261 BCE).
Q12. Which of the following Maurya rulers gave up fighting after the battle of Kalinga?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: The immense suffering and loss of life during the Kalinga War deeply impacted Emperor Ashoka. He renounced warfare and embraced Buddhism, dedicating himself to the policy of Dhamma (righteousness) instead of military conquest.
Q13. Who among the following was defeated by Maurya emperor Chandragupta Maurya?
(a) Alexander
(b) Xerxes
(c) Darius I
(d) Seleucus Nicator
Answer: d) Seleucus Nicator
Explanation: After Alexander’s departure, one of his generals, Seleucus I Nicator, attempted to reclaim control of the eastern territories. He engaged in war with Chandragupta Maurya around 305 BCE and was decisively defeated, leading to a peace treaty and a matrimonial alliance.
Q14. Which warrior defeated the last Nanda ruler Ghanananda with the help of Kautilya in 322 BC?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: With the strategic guidance and intelligence of Kautilya (Chanakya), Chandragupta Maurya led a successful revolt, defeated Dhana Nanda (Ghanananda), the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty, and established the Mauryan Empire in 322 BC.
Q15. What was the duty of the officer called Samaharta (Collector) ?
(a) Commander of the army
(b) Chief Justice
(c) Head of the treasury
(d) Chief revenue collector
Answer: d) Chief revenue collector
Explanation: In the Mauryan administration, the ‘Samaharta’ was a crucial officer responsible for the collection of all revenue of the state, maintenance of accounts, and supervision of revenue collection from various parts of the empire.
Q16. Chandragupta Maurya conquered Magadha with the help of Kautilya overthrew the ……. Empire and established the glorious Maurya Empire in 322 BC.
(a) Haryanka
(b) Shishunaga
(c) Gupta
(d) Nanda
Answer: d) Nanda
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, with the aid of his mentor Kautilya (Chanakya), defeated the powerful Nanda dynasty, specifically its last ruler Dhana Nanda, to establish the Mauryan Empire in 322 BC.
Q17. In the Seleucid-Mauryan War, Seleucus fought against which of the following Mauryan rulers?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Dasharatha
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: The Seleucid-Mauryan War (circa 305 BCE) was fought between Seleucus I Nicator, a successor of Alexander the Great, and the founder of the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta Maurya.
Q18. Chandragupta Maurya overthrew the power of the____at Magadha with the aid of Kautilya and founded a glorious Mauryan empire in 322 BC.
(a) Haryanka dynasty
(b) Shishunaga dynasty
(c) Maurya dynasty
(d) Nanda dynasty
Answer: d) Nanda dynasty
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, with the assistance of his advisor Kautilya (Chanakya), defeated the Nanda dynasty, particularly its last ruler Dhana Nanda, and established the Mauryan Empire in 322 BC.
Q19. Which of the following Mauryan rulers did Seleucus fight against in the Seleucid– Mauryan War?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Brihadratha
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Seleucus I Nicator, a Hellenistic king and founder of the Seleucid Empire, fought against Chandragupta Maurya in the Seleucid-Mauryan War.
Q20. Who among the following kings founded the Maurya empire in ancient India?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Brihadratha
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya is widely recognized as the founder of the Mauryan Empire, one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India.
Q21. A type of court called ‘Kantakasodhana’ was prevalent in the –––– Empire.
(a) Gupta
(b) Chola
(c) Pala
(d) Maurya
Answer: d) Maurya
Explanation: In the Mauryan administration, there were two main types of courts: ‘Dharmasthiya’ (civil courts, dealing with disputes related to dharma or law) and ‘Kantakasodhana’ (criminal courts, dealing with cases involving ‘thorns’ or anti-social elements).
Q22. Chandragupta led a revolt against the __ and overthrew them.
(a) Shunga
(b) Satavahana
(c) Kushan
(d) Nanda
Answer: d) Nanda
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya led a successful revolt against the Nanda dynasty, ultimately overthrowing their rule and establishing the Mauryan Empire.
Q23. According to Ashokan edicts, how many years after becoming the king did Ashoka wage war on Kalinga?
(a) 4 years
(b) 6 years
(c) 7 years
(d) 8 years
Answer: d) 8 years
Explanation: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict XIII explicitly states that he conquered Kalinga eight years after his accession to the throne.
Q24. Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts are found in different parts of India. Which of the following is NOT a find spot of Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts in Karnataka?
(a) Maski
(b) Brahmagiri
(c) Gavimath
(d) Jaugada
Answer: d) Jaugada
Explanation: Maski, Brahmagiri, and Gavimath are indeed sites in Karnataka where Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts have been discovered. Jaugada, however, is a site of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edict (Special Edict) and is located in Odisha.
Q25. The –––––– lake in Gujarat was an artificial reservoir built during the rule of the Mauryas.
(a) Chilika
(b) Wular
(c) Loktak
(d) Sudarshan
Answer: d) Sudarshan
Explanation: The Sudarshan Lake in Girnar, Gujarat, is an artificial reservoir whose construction was initiated during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya and further improved during Ashoka’s rule, as evidenced by inscriptions.
Q26. Ashoka, arguably the most famous ruler of early India, conquered__, present-day coastal Odisha.
(a) Magadha
(b) Gandhara
(c) Avanti
(d) Kalinga
Answer: d) Kalinga
Explanation: Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga (present-day coastal Odisha) was a pivotal event in his reign, profoundly changing his approach to governance and leading him to embrace Buddhism.
Q27. Kalinga War was fought in the year………
(a) 321 BC
(b) 305 BC
(c) 273 BC
(d) 261 BC
Answer: d) 261 BC
Explanation: The Kalinga War, a significant conflict in Indian history, was fought by Emperor Ashoka around 261 BCE (or 261 BC), resulting in a massive loss of life and leading to Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
Q28. Who among the following published a set of Ashokan inscriptions in the year 1877?
(a) James Prinsep
(b) John Marshall
(c) Mortimer Wheeler
(d) Alexander Cunningham
Answer: d) Alexander Cunningham
Explanation: Major General Sir Alexander Cunningham, considered the “Father of Indian Archaeology,” played a crucial role in the discovery and study of Ashokan inscriptions and published a collection of them in 1877. James Prinsep was the first to decipher them.
Q29. The capital of the Mauryan Kingdom was located at ……………
(a) Taxila
(b) Ujjain
(c) Sarnath
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: d) Pataliputra
Explanation: Pataliputra (modern Patna, Bihar) served as the magnificent capital city of the vast Mauryan Empire.
Q30. Who founded the Mauryan Empire by defeating Dhanananda?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Kautilya
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya, with the strategic guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), defeated the last Nanda ruler, Dhana Nanda, to establish the Mauryan Empire.
Q31. Of the foreign travellers mentioned in the options below, who was the earliest to visit India?
(a) Fa-Hien
(b) Xuanzang
(c) I-tsing
(d) Megasthenes
Answer: d) Megasthenes
Explanation: Among the given options, Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in the late 4th century BCE, was the earliest to visit India. Fa-Hien (early 5th century CE), Xuanzang (7th century CE), and I-tsing (late 7th century CE) visited much later.
Q32. Which Mauryan ruler became a follower of Buddhism?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Dasharatha
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka, deeply remorseful after the Kalinga War, converted to Buddhism and became a devout patron and propagator of the religion.
Q33. In the context of early Indian history, the term ‘NBPW’ refers to a:
(a) New Buddhist Prayer Wheel
(b) North-Indian Bronze Weapon
(c) National Board of Public Works
(d) Pottery style
Answer: d) Pottery style
Explanation: ‘NBPW’ stands for Northern Black Polished Ware, a distinctive type of glossy, fine pottery found in large parts of the Indian subcontinent during the Iron Age, particularly associated with the Mahajanapada and Mauryan periods.
Q34. Which of the following rulers erected his decrees at public places?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka was unique among early Indian rulers for extensively using rock and pillar edicts to inscribe his messages on Dhamma (moral principles) and his policies, placing them in prominent public locations across his empire.
Q35. Who among the following was the first ruler to inscribe his message to his subjects and officials on stone surfaces, natural rocks and polished pillars ?
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Bindusara
(c) Kanishka
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka was the first ruler in Indian history to extensively use inscriptions on rocks and pillars to communicate directly with his subjects and disseminate his policies and moral principles (Dhamma).
Q36. The Greek ambassador Megasthenese was in the court of which of the following rulers?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Bindusara
(c) Dhana Nanda
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Megasthenes was an ambassador of Seleucus I Nicator to the court of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya, and his observations are recorded in his book ‘Indica’.
Q37. In which state The Jaugada Rock Edict of Asoka is located ?
(a) Bihar
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Odisha
Answer: d) Odisha
Explanation: The Jaugada Rock Edict, which contains Special Kalinga Edicts of Ashoka, is located in the Ganjam district of Odisha (formerly Orissa).
Q38. Chandragupta (322–298 BC) was the ruler of which dynasty?
(a) Nanda Dynasty
(b) Shunga Dynasty
(c) Gupta Dynasty
(d) Maurya Dynasty
Answer: d) Maurya Dynasty
Explanation: Chandragupta Maurya was the founder and first ruler of the Maurya Dynasty, reigning from approximately 322 to 298 BC.
Q39. Chandragupta Maurya was an ardent follower of _.
(a) Buddhism
(b) Hinduism (Vaishnavism)
(c) Shaivism
(d) Jainism
Answer: d) Jainism
Explanation: Towards the end of his life, Chandragupta Maurya renounced his throne and became an ardent follower of Jainism, migrating south with Jain monks and eventually performing Santhara (ritualistic fasting unto death) at Shravanabelagola.
Q40. Chandragupta Maurya was born in……….
(a) Vaishali
(b) Taxila
(c) Ujjain
(d) Pataliputra
Answer: d) Pataliputra
Explanation: Although his exact origins are debated, it is widely believed that Chandragupta Maurya was associated with Magadha and born in Pataliputra.
Q41. Bindusara was the son of?
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kautilya
(c) Mahapadma Nanda
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Bindusara was the son and successor of Chandragupta Maurya, and the father of the famous Emperor Ashoka.
Q42. Ashoka was a king of which dynasty?
(a) Nanda
(b) Shunga
(c) Gupta
(d) Maurya
Answer: d) Maurya
Explanation: Ashoka, one of the greatest emperors of ancient India, was the third ruler of the Maurya Dynasty.
Q43. Ashoka the Great (273-232 BC) was the ruler of which dynasty?
(a) Nanda Dynasty
(b) Shunga Dynasty
(c) Gupta Dynasty
(d) Maurya Dynasty
Answer: d) Maurya Dynasty
Explanation: Ashoka the Great was the third and most prominent ruler of the Maurya Dynasty, known for his vast empire and conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
Q44. Chandragupta Maurya was born in Patliputra, which is now in…………
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) West Bengal
(d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Explanation: Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire and the birthplace of Chandragupta Maurya, is located in the modern-day state of Bihar, India (now known as Patna).
Q45. Who built the Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi?
(a) Bindusara
(b) Kanishka
(c) Harsha
(d) Ashoka
Answer: d) Ashoka
Explanation: The original and most significant stupas and pillars at Sanchi were commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, though they were later expanded and adorned by subsequent rulers.
Q46. Ashoka converted to which religion after the Kalinga war?
(a) Jainism
(b) Hinduism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Buddhism
Answer: d) Buddhism
Explanation: The immense destruction and suffering caused by the Kalinga War led Emperor Ashoka to experience remorse and subsequently convert to Buddhism, embracing its principles of peace and non-violence.
Q47. Chanakya was known as………..
(a) Vallabhbhai
(b) Gautama
(c) Patanjali
(d) Kautilya / Vishnugupta
Answer: d) Kautilya / Vishnugupta
Explanation: Chanakya, the influential advisor and prime minister to Chandragupta Maurya, is also widely known by his other names, Kautilya (the author of Arthashastra) and Vishnugupta.
Q48. Chanakya was the chief advisor of ——
(a) Bindusara
(b) Ashoka
(c) Mahapadma Nanda
(d) Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: d) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation: Chanakya (Kautilya) was the chief advisor, strategist, and political guru to Chandragupta Maurya, playing a pivotal role in the overthrow of the Nanda dynasty and the establishment of the Mauryan Empire.
Q49. Which script was used in Ashoka’s inscriptions?
(a) Devanagari
(b) Tamil
(c) Brahmi
(d) All of the above
Answer: c) Brahmi
Explanation: The majority of Ashoka’s inscriptions in India were written in the Brahmi script. Some in the northwest were in Kharosthi, while Aramaic and Greek scripts were used for inscriptions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, Brahmi is the most common and foundational script for his edicts within India.
Q50. Under Mauryan administration the ‘Sitadhyaksha’ was the officer in charge of :
(a) Mines
(b) Weights and Measures
(c) Ports and Shipping
(d) Agriculture
Answer: d) Agriculture
Explanation: In the Mauryan administration, as described in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the ‘Sitadhyaksha’ was the superintendent of agriculture, responsible for overseeing and managing state lands and agricultural production.
Q51. One of the prominent Buddhist structures in India, _____Stupa at Sarnath was constructed by the great Mauryan king, Ashoka.
(a) Sanchi
(b) Barhut
(c) Amaravati
(d) Dhamek
Answer: d) Dhamek
Explanation: The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, marks the spot where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon. Its original construction is attributed to Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, though it has undergone renovations and additions over centuries.
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